The long weekend from November 18th to 20th promises a unique experience in the surroundings of Pier Mauá. Get ready to explore the unmissable attractions that Rio de Janeiro's Port Zone has to offer, from the cultural celebrations of the fourth Black November Festival to the exciting reopening of Cais do Valongo. To top off this itinerary, you can also participate in the Tia Ciata Parade at Praça XV.
Culture in full swing at the fourth Black November Festival
On the eve of Black Awareness Day, celebrated on the 20th, amidst the cultural richness of Little Africa, the fourth Black November Festival offers a diverse program. From the SAGAS Battle of street dances to musical performances such as Orquestra Luna and Azula's 'Memória Transvesti' show, the festival is a dive into the community's artistic expressions and entrepreneurship. Oh! And don't forget to taste the feijoada prepared by the Coletivo Mulheres Independentes da Providência.
The event is free and the activities are divided between Largo da Cruzeiro, the headquarters of Casa Amarela and Pista Santo Skate, located in Morro da Providência, which turns 126 years old in 2023, and the Museum of History and Afro-Brazilian Culture , in Gamboa.
The festival, which has many other artistic events, gastronomy and debates on entrepreneurship, was created as a channel to present the work carried out throughout the year by the people living at Casa Amarela Providência. Currently, the institution hosts around 120 families and an average of 150 residents. The festival is presented by the Municipal Department of Culture and was awarded by the Zonas de Cultura and the Federation of Associative Theater of the State of Rio (Fetaerj).
Complete schedule of the Black November Cultural Festival: Little Africa Edition:
November 18
10:30 am – Coletivo Ayó with Conversation Circle & Braiding Workshop | Location: Largo da Cruzeiro
2pm – Hip hop performance by Casa Amarela children | Location: Pista Santo Skate
3pm – Launch of the book “Vem ni mim que eu sou passinho” with Hugo Oliveira and Galeria Providência | Location: Pista Santo Skate
4pm – 6pm – Batalha SAGAS, street dances | Location: Pista Santo Skate
November 19
10:30 am – Presentation with Afroflor & Trio | Location: Largo da Cruzeiro
11:30 am – DJ Bieta | Location: Largo da Cruzeiro
1pm – MIP Feijoada | Location: Casa Amarela Providencia
2pm – Opening with Mãe Glória from Ilê Asè Iyá Omi Funfun | Location: Skate Park
15 – Presentation of Afoxé Filhos de Gandhi | Location: Skate Park
5pm – Presentation by Coletivo Colerê | Location: Escadaria & Largo da Cruzeiro
Living history in the reopening of Cais do Valongo
On the Black Awareness Day holiday, November 20th, the Valongo Wharf will be reopened. This historic site, recognized by the National Historical and Artistic Heritage Institute, is a testament to the deep ties between Rio de Janeiro and African heritage. An unmissable visit for those looking to connect with Afro-Brazilian history and culture.
The revitalization works began in July this year and include installation of guardrails, new lighting, exhibition modules, signs and signage totems.
The proposal is that the changes improve access to the site and make it a reference in the recovery of black history in Brazil.
The pier represents the main disembarkation port for enslaved Africans throughout the Americas and was the only one that was materially preserved. It is estimated that around one million trafficked people from Africa passed through it. Since 2017, it has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Rediscovered
In 1843, Valongo Wharf was filled in by the Empire and was only rediscovered during the construction of Porto Maravilha, in 2011. At the time, archaeologists from UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) started working there. The excavation opened up a piece of land measuring four thousand square meters. Hundreds of artifacts of African origin came from there, which began a broad process of historical recovery in the region.
In 2012, Rio de Janeiro City Hall accepted the suggestion of black movement organizations that supported the recovery of the objects and transformed the space into a preserved monument open to public visitation. Valongo Wharf also became part of the Historical and Archaeological Circuit of the Celebration of African Heritage.
Tia Ciata Procession: celebrating in the streets of Praça XV
Another tip is to participate in the Tia Ciata parade in Praça delicacies and festivities. The parade, which is free and starts at 10am, promises to be very vibrant, with colors, rhythms and movements that celebrate our rich culture and, of course, lots of music and dancing to brighten the soul. A unique experience to end the holiday in style.
Be prepared for a long weekend filled with art, culture and history, exploring the best that Rio de Janeiro has to offer.
