The event was headed by the presidents of the band, dressed in white suits and hats while pretending to play musical instruments.

The idea lingered on, and a few years later Ferdy, Albino and Claudio Pinheiro, Jaguar, Ziraldo and Zelio, Hugo Bidet, Roniquito Chevalier and other personalities organized the first parade.

They hired the band of the Navy School, gathered to warm up at Bar Jangadeiros, around Praca General Osorio, and started marching on the streets with just a few dozen friends - the founders dressed up as "presidents".

When they reached the next pit stop, Bar Velloso (later renamed Garota de Ipanema), there were already something like 500 people!

These days one of the major attraction of Banda de Ipanema is the colorful parade of drag queens in impossible costumes and performances.

In the latest years there's also the Bandinha de Ipanema, that is specifically aimed at the children, and happens within the confines of Praca General Osorio.