By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Babilônia Feira Hype returns to the city this weekend on April 28th and 29th. The fair will bring over 200 exhibitors to Parque das Figueiras in Lagoa, including visual artists, food trucks, designers, fashion collectives, and music performances.
With 21 years of existence, Babilônia Feira Hype plays an important role in the formation of Rio de Janeiro’s creative industry scene.
A traditional event among Cariocas, the fair is also committed to the diversity of Rio’s cultural production, bringing together various initiatives from the creative sector – ranging from a percussion group performance by the Maré favela community to a debate about conscious consumption with the Movimento Malha fashion collective.
“In 1996, when we created Babilônia Feira Hype and its business model, we already used the concept of creative economy before it even existed,” says Robert Guimarães, general director of the event.
On both days of the fair, visitors will find handicrafts, accessories, home decor articles and clothing in 150 stalls, which will host brands like Me Too, Carmel, Mudi, Gávea, Joviane, Das Manas, Branca Acessórios, Gluck, Sara Calle, Mimo Kids, Savannah Kids, and Pandi.
There will also be 60 food trucks, bikes, and stalls spread across the venue selling artisanal beer, snacks, sweets, and meals. Among the participating brands are Duque Burger’s homemade burgers; Plano B’s Colombian arepas; Herbívora’s vegan pizzas; Açafrão’s risottos; Viper Cervejaria’s beers; Mate do Vovô’s artisanal mate tea; Japa Nomoto’s Japanese dishes; and Beiju e Magi’s cakes.
What’s more, one can also check out the various free cultural attractions happening at the event. On Saturday, April 28th, the band Favela Brass will perform at 4PM. The band, a social initiative organized by the British trumpet Tom Ashe, is composed by youngsters from the Pereira da Silva favela community (Santa Teresa). Next, the singer Duda Beat will run the show at 7PM.
On Sunday, April 29th, Babilônia Feira Hype will host the percussion group, Percussão Maré at 4PM, which will be followed by the band Don Pablito, who will be presenting a setlist of ska, rock, jazz, samba, and MPB at 7PM.
Apart from its musical line-up, the fair will host a discussion with the Movimento Malha fashion collective, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM (both on Saturday and Sunday); a “roda de capoeira” with the group Mogozap Capoeira Sinhá, at 4PM, on Sunday; followed by a yoga class with teacher Kadu Borges at 5PM.
What: “Babilônia Feira Hype” fair
When: this weekend, April 28th and 29th – 2PM to 10PM
Where: Parque das Figueiras, Lagoa – parking at Parque dos Patins and Clube do Flamengo
Entrance: FREE