Feira Hippie de Ipanema Overview:
One of the best places in Rio de Janeiro to buy souvenirs, Feira Hippie de Ipanema is a large fair selling authentic Brazilian crafts, one-of-a-kind folk and contemporary art, clothing, jewelry, and food.
Going strong every Sunday since it was started by a group of hippies in 1968, the fair boasts about 700 stalls. You can't miss it - meaning it's worth joining all the other tourists who will be there and also that it's really easy to find.
Souvenir Bonanza:
If you're spending Sunday in Rio, you might want to buy souvenir T-shirts at the fair, since they're cheaper than at Corcovado, for example.
You'll come across souvenirs tiny enough to go into your wallet, such as gemstone rings or $5 Brazilian flag earrings; or you might fall in love with paintings so large you'll need to double check your excess luggage limits.
Feira Hippie de Ipanema is one of the best places in Rio to buy Brazilian crafts. Examples of the great folk arts and crafts you'll find at the fair include figurative ceramics, embroidery and lace.
Food:
The Bahia food stall at Feira Hippie de Ipanema is a vendor selling all kinds of typical dishes. Thy the appetizing frigideira de bacalhau(R$ 7) - a kind of codfish omelette - or acarajé (R$ 6) (approach with care if you're not used to dendê oil). Sweets at the fair include coconut candy (cocada) or a cake by the slice (R$ 2,50).
Hippies in Brazil:
Although you'll find the occasional item with a Flower Power touch at Feira Hippie de Ipanema, such as handmade leather sandals (R$ 20), there's not much of an alternative vibe at the fair.
There was in the late 1960s and 1970s though - Feira Hippie's official site has a category with old photos under construction which hopefully will grow into a broad portfolio for those years.
In 1968, Brazil entered the darkest phase of a military dictatorship. Many people in the hippie movement were also political activists in permanent risk of going missing, being tortured and killed.
Today, Brazil hippie and alternative communities thrive in beautiful areas such as Arembepe, BA or Visconde de Mauá, RJ.
The Chapada dos Guimarães National Park area, in Mato Grosso, is a mystical destination for alternative mysticism because it is thought to attract cosmic properties.São Thomé das Letras, MG, is another Brazil city with alternative and mystic appeal.
Feira de Ipanema Location:
The hippie fair takes place at Praça General Osório, a square between Rua Prudente de Morais and Rua Visconde de Pirajá, the first and second streets parallel with beachfront Vieira Souto.
