By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – As the winter season in the southern hemisphere arrives, and the temperatures drop slightly, the city’s beach-alternative activities become more appealing. One of the best monthly events is the Feira Rio Antigo (Antiques Fair) which is free and happens on the first Saturday of every month in old Centro, running from 10AM to 7PM.
The Feira Rio Antigo, also called Feira do Lavradio, was established eighteen years ago and brings together over 400 exhibitors offering a wide variety of products – from handicrafts to books and antiques. In addition, bars and restaurants in the area open their doors to welcome more than 30,000 visitors who pass through Rua do Lavradio during the event.
Visitors will also find vintage clothes on offer for the bohemian fashionista. “Feira do Lavradio is really nice, specially the Brechó Tracinha where you can find beautiful dresses from the Fifties and the Sixties with a good price,” suggests Sandra Mara Lima, a regular visitor.
This month the Feira Rio Antigo will have an open music performance by Marcos Novatto and Groove Pimenta, bringing their Baile Brasileiro. The show starts at 4:30 PM at the Praça Emilinha Borba (on the corner of Rua do Lavradio and Rua do Senado).
Blending tradition and contemporaneity, Marcos Novatto and Groove Pimenta troupe will play the MPB (popular music) greats including works by masters such as Noel Rosa, Chico Buarque, Jorge Ben Jor, Seu Jorge, Bebeto and Luiz Gonzaga. They will also get the Brazilian dance steps moving with samba, xote and sambalanço.
Yet for many the highlight of the fair is the antique furniture, and while European cities may have a stronghold on the antiques market in terms of variety and volume, there is plenty to choose from. A distinguishing note by Thomas Flaherty, an antiques restorer is that, “When you go to an antique shop in Rio what you are going to get is an item that is ready to be placed in your house with no need for further work.”
A walk through the Feira Rio Antigo is also a great alternative for those who enjoy architecture. One of the oldest streets in the city, Lavradio retains its old houses, many built when the country was still a colony of Portugal.
WHAT: Rio Antigo Fair – June
WHEN: Saturday, June 6th, 10AM-7PM
WHERE: Rua do Lavradio, between Av. Mem de Sá e a Av. Visconde do Rio Branco, Centro Antigo, RJ
ENTRANCE: Free