Where to Celebrate International Women’s Day in Rio

By Beatriz Miranda, Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Starting from this Thursday, March 8th, Rio will promote an eventful cultural agenda to celebrate the International Women’s Day. Until the end of this month, museums, bars, food markets and “rodas de samba” will be paying tribute to women with shows, panel discussions and discounts.

As usual, the Carioca samba scene will take part in the celebration by honoring some of the most remarkable female composers from the genre. Tonight, Ganjah Lapa, in Lapa, will host “Samba que Elas Querem”, one of the trendiest “rodas” in Centro.

Starting at 8PM, the women-only group will stir emotions from the audience with the most beautiful sambas by Tia Surica, Tia Ciata, Ivone Lara, Elza Soares, Clara Nunes, Beth Carvalho, Leci Brandão and Jovelina Pérola Negra.

Also exclusively composed of female musicians, “Moça Prosa” performs tonight at the great Dida Bar e Restaurante, in Tijuca. Moça’s “roda de samba” will honor the day with the special participation of Luciene Lacerda and Ekeji, activists for the black feminism. The presentation starts at 6PM.

Bohemians who want to celebrate International Women’s Day in style should definitely go to Botafogo’s Bar Bukowski, the best rock bar in Zona Sul. This Friday, March 9th, Bukowski will be promoting “A Mulher Mais Linda da Cidade”, party where all women have 30 percent of discount in the entrance. The bar’s traditional “drunk hour” happens from 6:30 PM to 10PM, including doubles on imported beer and caipirinha.

On Saturday, March 10th, a good option for those into a day program is Feira Colmeia, a market focused on solidarity economy and sustainability, led by entrepreneur women. Taking place at the Luis de Camoes square, in Glória, the fair offers artisanal products like natural cosmetics, bio-jewelry, ecological tampons, handicrafts, clothes, toys, among other articles. The market happens from 8AM to 2PM, and includes a MPB show at 1PM.

Those interested in street markets should also check Circuito Carioca de Artes e Culturas, which will gather 90 female artists to Leblon, at Praça Antero de Quental, this Thursday, from 9AM to 6PM. There, visitors will find accessories and decoration objects made from the most diverse techniques, like decoupage and patchwork.

In Centro, Museum of Tomorrow is promoting a series of debates until this Saturday, March 10th. Happening everyday, usually at 3PM, the debates will gather influential women from diverse sectors to discuss themes like gender violence, women in the workplace, race and gender inequalities, among other topics. All the panel discussions are free, and one needs to register at the museum’s official website to participate.

Finally, at the Saraiva bookstore, women will have the opportunity to buy books with 50 percent of discount today. The promotion is valid for diverse thematic areas, like administration, arts, human and social sciences, geography and history, literature, among others. In order to participate, one must register at Saraiva’s website. Click here to check Saraiva’s stores across the city.