Hippie Fair in Ipanema

One of Rio’s most popular tourist attractions, the Feira Hippie de Ipanema (Hippie Fair in Ipanema) has its origins in the 1960s. Set up initially by Brazil’s Flower Power generation, today the market is held every Sunday (rain or shine) from 9am to 5pm and attracts people from all walks of life – including many travelers too!With over 700 stalls spread across Praça General Osório, the fair has been hailed as the world’s largest open-air art and crafts gallery. The Hippie Fair is the perfect place to pick up authentic Brazilian folk art, jewelry, and even bikinis – all at a reasonable price. Those looking for a place to grab a bite before heading down to the beach will also find some delicious Brazilian treats here.

So, where to start?

What to Buy at the Hippie Fair in Ipanema

Local art: At the center of the praça, you’ll find the finest samples of Brazilian art. Local painters especially showcase their work here, in a variety of styles and sizes. Colorful scenes of Rio mix with alluring landscapes that instantly catch your eye. The artists are used to selling to foreigners and will gladly remove the frame on their paintings, rolling them up inside a cardboard tube for safer transport home. Prices can range from $R50 to over $R500.

Brazilian Food: The Hippe Fair in Ipanema is also a true paradise for street food fans. Authentic Bahian cuisine abounds at Rua Jangadeiros and Rua Prudente de Morais where you’ll find acarajé (a croquette fried in palm oil) stuffed with vatapá (a paste made of spicy shrimp and cashew). The Bahiana women at the market, wearing their traditional Brazilian dresses, also prepare tasty treats like bacalhau omelets and coconut candy.

Traditional Brazilian Instruments: Samba music and Capoeira dance are as Brazilian as it gets. At the Hippie Fair in Ipanema, you’ll be able to check out the percussion instruments associated with these musical traditions. Throughout the day, you might also hear vendors showing off their skills on the cuica, caixixi and berimbau. Prices can range from $R20 to $R75.

Semi-Precious Brazilian Gem Stones: A variety of inexpensive jewelry is sold all throughout the Hippie Fair. But if you’re looking to grab something with a little more quality, head to the Rua Visconde Piraja side of the Praça General Osório. There, Blue Topaz, Quartz, Citrine and other common Brazilian stones are available for sale.

Leather Goods: Along the Rua Prudente de Morais side on Praça General Osório, you’ll find all kinds of leather goods. Purses, sandals, belts, and small wallets are just some of the items for sale. Prices can range from $R5 to $R100.

Clothing: T-shirts, hats, sandals and bikinis are all for sale at the Hippie Fair in Ipanema. Many of these items are geared towards the tourist crowd, with images of Christ the Redeemer or the Sugarloaf Mountain. But one thing you can’t go wrong buying are the bikinis. Made in a variety of models and colors, a bikini is the perfect way to dress like a local during your visit or take a bit of Brazil back home with you.

Handy Tips

There are a few things to keep in mind when you’re finding your way through the lively stalls at the Hippie Fair in Ipanema:

• The Hippie Fair in Ipanema is not a flea market. It is not the place to bargain or find used items. It is, however, a great place to find medium to high quality art and crafts at a reasonable price.
• Watch out for pickpockets and keep your purse close and shut at all times. As in the rest of Rio, avoid wearing expensive jewelry or similar items.
• If you wish, you can take photos at the market. Be cautious, however, so you are not caught by surprise by pickpockets.

Don’t forget: The Hippie Fair is held every Sunday at Praça General Osório between 9am and 5pm.