Maracanã (neighborhood)

This article is about the neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. For other uses, see Maracanã (disambiguation).

Maracanã (Brazilian Portuguese: [maɾakɐˈnɐ̃], which in Tupi–Guarani means green bird) is a middle-class neighborhood located in the Northern Zone of Rio de Janeiro city. The Maracanã Stadium is located in this neighborhood, as well as the Ginásio do Maracanãzinho. Maracanã is bordered by these neighborhoods: Praça da Bandeira, Tijuca and Vila Isabel.

The population of the neighborhood is estimated in 27,319, according to the 2000 census.

Maracanã stadium

The neighborhood has a long sporting tradition. Besides Maracanã stadium, also there is a derby club, built in 1885, by André Gustavo Paulo de Frontin. Also, there is a bike way, named Espaço Mané Garrincha, named after the footballer Garrincha. It has 1,700 meters, and surrounds the Maracanã stadium.

The UERJ, which is one of the main universities in Rio de Janeiro, is also located in Maracanã. Other education institutions are the CEFET and the Escola Politécnica, both technical colleges which prepare high school students for the labour market. Two schools, Pedro II and Colégio Militar, are located at São Francisco Xavier street.

The neighborhood is crossed by its main avenue, called Maracanã Avenue, which connects Maracanã to Tijuca. Other important avenue is Presidente Castelo Branco Avenue. São Francisco Xavier street is the main street and crosses Maracanã Avenue.

The neighborhood will be one of the four "Olympic Zones" during the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Coordinates: 22°54′48″S 43°13′44″W / 22.9134167°S 43.2287979°W / -22.9134167; -43.2287979