Rio Antigo Street Market Celebrates Women’s Day

By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Saturday, March 3rd, Rua do Lavradio, in Centro, hosts its traditional “Feira do Rio Antigo” market. Gathering food, art and music, this month’s edition pays tribute to International Women’s Day, and will bring female artists to perform for free.

The shows will take place at a stage in front of the Emilinha Borga square, on the corner of Rua do Lavradio and Rua do Senado. Opening the line-up will be group Baque Mulher RJ, performing at 2:30 PM.

Originally from Recife, Pernambuco (Northeastern Brazil), Baque Mulher RJ, exclusively composed of women, is dedicated to the Maracatu, the most representative music genre from Recife’s Afro Brazilian culture. Baque Mulher’s powerful “loas” (songs) stand up against gender violence and inequalities.

Following, musical collective Balangandãs will pay tribute to the most iconic women from the Brazilian music at 4:30 PM. The group, formed by Marcelo Sant’Anna (vocal and guitar), Rodrigo Sebastian (bass) and Reinaldo Pestana (drums), will invite eight female singers to the stage, who will honor names like Gal Costa, Elis Regina, Joyce Moreno, Rita Lee, Beth Carvalho, Clara Nunes, Alcione and Dona Ivone Lara.

Apart from its high quality musical line-up, the market is famous among Cariocas for its diverse and authentic products, including vintage sunglasses, handmade shoes, rare vynil records, among other items. What’s more, great food trucks, restaurants and bars can be found along the street.

Promoted at Rua do Lavradio for over 20 years, “Rio Antigo” street market happens every first Saturday of the month, gathering over 400 stalls and attracting around 20,000 visitors in each edition.

What: “Rio Antigo” Street Market
When: this Saturday, March 3rd – 10AM to 7PM
Where: Rua do Lavradio – Centro
Entrance: FREE