Arpoador: the cultural center of Rio de Janeiro city
You already know that Arpoador is one of Cariocas’ favorite natural spots. But the place goes far beyond the beautiful scenery and the pleasant sea. Arpoador is carioca culture! The neighborhood pulses with art and cultural manifestations and is therefore considered one of the cultural centers of the city of Rio.
In this blog post we’re going to explore a little more about this side of the neighborhood that has accompanied so many important transformations in Rio’s cultural scene. Join us!
February 2nd is Iemanjá Day, a day dedicated to praising and singing to the Queen of the Sea. The African deity receives this tribute with a vibrant mix of rituals, songs and offerings, bringing together practitioners of Umbanda and Candomblé and sympathizers always dressed in white to express their requests and thanks.
Well, of course the best place to celebrate this important date would be one of Rio’s most iconic and significant beaches: Arpoador Beach, which becomes the stage for activities that rescue and recognize Afro-Brazilian stories and traditions.
The organizer of the official event ‘Dia de Iemanjá no Arpoador’ is musician Marcos André Carvalho, from an Umbanda family and a Candomblé practitioner. The party is completely free and brings together several outstanding attractions in honor of Iemanjá.
For example, confirmed are Samba de Caboclo, Nina Rosa, Ogan Bangbala, Afoxé Filhas de Ghandy, Jongo do Vale do Café, and many other attractions, as well as Marcos André himself. In addition, the ‘Feira Crespa’ will also bring gastronomy, clothing and accessories aimed at valuing black women, strengthening Afro-entrepreneurs and increasing participants’ knowledge of Afro-Brazilian culture and its history.
Oh, and the arp bar is an obligatory stop on the day of the event, because exclusively on February 2nd, from 12.30pm to 10pm, you can enjoy a special dish and cocktail for the occasion. Accompany the Iemanjá Day celebrations with the Bolinho de Bobó de camarão with coriander mayonnaise and palm oil (R$45) and the Odoyá cocktail: gin, peach shrub, sparkling wine and white rose (R$36).
Also, in partnership with Tecla Music, we have prepared a special playlist that will be the perfect soundtrack for your Iemanjá day.
But in addition to all this, Arpoador also has many other traditions and artistic events of great relevance. Want to see?
The cradle of surfing
For example, did you know that the neighborhood is considered the birthplace of Brazilian surfing?
Since the 1960s, Arpoador has been a meeting place mainly for surfers and young people, who have become influential figures in Rio de Janeiro’s cultural scene. In addition to Daniel Friedmann, other legends of the sport began training and competing, such as Pepê and Bocão.
Arpoador and Brazilian music
On the artistic side, Arpoador has always been a cultural meeting point for artists and intellectuals and has hosted icons of Brazilian music such as Tom Jobim, Vinícius de Moraes and João Gilberto, who, inspired by the curves of the sea and the tranquil rhythm of life by the water, created classics such as “Garota de Ipanema”.
In fact, the recently renovated sculpture paying tribute to Tom Jobim attracts dozens of locals and visitors strolling along the promenade every day.
The culture of applauding the sunset
Speaking of attracting visitors, the sunset from Pedra do Arpoador is world famous and attracts hundreds of locals and visitors every day. From there you can enjoy the sunset facing the Dois Irmãos Hill. And it’s already a tradition to applaud the spectacle of the sun setting!
Started by journalist Carlos Leonam, well-known in the area since the 1960s, the culture of applauding the sun at the spot began on a sunny summer weekday around 1968 and 1969. Faced with that breath-taking scenery, a voice arose: “Guys, let’s clap. After a day like this, we can only be thankful.”
Another curiosity about the iconic neighborhood is that Circo Voador, one of Lapa’s most visited concert halls, originated in Arpoador.
It opened in 1982 and its main motivation was the desire of young artists who wanted a place to promote their art. Artists such as Evandro Mesquita, Regina Casé and Luis Fernando Guimarães were some of the first to perform on the stage of the former Circo Voador.
But even today, it’s still possible to catch concerts by great artists there. This is because the Garota de Ipanema Park, as well as offering a range of sports and activities for the whole family, also has a music arena, a stage for various concerts right next to the sea.
So, do you feel like visiting this neighborhood with so many cultural and artistic treasures? At the Hotel Arpoador you can guarantee a stay full of memorable experiences and a privileged location, very close to so many incredible sights and events!
What’s more, at the arp bar, a restaurant located on the first floor of the hotel, you can complete your experience by enjoying the best of coastal cuisine. All this while contemplating the sea view and breathtaking scenery!
