Best Things to See and Do in Rio De Janeiro This Spring

A typical Brazilian custom is to end the day at a boteco (Brazilian bar) and sip on cold beers accompanied by various snacks. This tradition is such a significant part of the cultural fabric that a competition between the botecos – known as Comida di Buteco – has been running for the last 17 years. This year brings the 18th edition and ignites the competitive spirit among local bars who each produce their best boteco snack to impress the panel of judges. Rio has 20 competing botecos and this is one of the best times of the year to try the most delicious boteco food around, ranging from traditional pastels to complex dishes of seafood and other interesting ingredients.

1th April – 14th May

Paraty Yoga Festival offers a four-day yoga retreat with various related activities that will certainly appeal to yoga lovers or those curious to test the waters. The idyllic setting of the colonial town of Paraty provides a serene environment that complements the purpose of the event perfectly. For four days, there will be yoga sessions, meditation, music, dance, seminars, and energetic therapies. Stalls will sell locally-produced items including organic and homemade products, and freshly squeezed juices.

25th – 28th May

The cooler weather provides the perfect opportunity to try some of Brazil’s finest wines. Brazilian wine is often overlooked as the majority of people lean towards the classic Italian or French beverages, or the new world wines. However, some of Brazil’s vineyards are producing quality produce that defy the nation’s unfavourable reputation for wine. Head to Canastra in Ipanema that sells only Brazilian wine and has a superb selection of red, white, rose and sparkling options, or Winehouse in Botafogo where they are building up a solid menu of accomplished Brazilian wines.

Canastra Bar Edifício Paranoá – R. Jangadeiros, 42 – G – Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22420-010

Wine House R. Paulo Barreto, 25 – Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22280-010

All spring

The Bourbon Festival takes place in sleepy Paraty – yet for three days, the town becomes a bustling hub of jazz, blues, R&B and soul music. Now in its 9th year, the whole town transforms into a venue for a variety of shows, food trucks and bars open throughout the night as it welcomes an expected 150,000 visitors for the weekend.

June 9th – June 11th

The Festa Junina celebrates the approaching winter and the harvest period throughout June, an annual tradition that has taken place since the first Portuguese settlers came to Brazil. The festival, in particular, celebrates three important figures – Saint Anthony, Saint John the Baptista, and Saint Peter. During the celebrations, people typically wear checkered shirts, straw hats, and girls may paint freckles on their cheeks, and important festivities such as dancing, eating hearty, countryside food, and drinking mulled cachaca take place throughout the city.

June 13th – June 29th

The Rio de Janeiro marathon provides an opportunity to test your stamina and endurance in one of the world’s most beautiful running routes. The course follows the coastline and passes iconic landmarks such as Copacabana beach and the Sugarloaf mountain. There are three race options – 6km, 21km (half marathon), or 42km (the full marathon).

18th June