After nearly ten years, Rio de Janeiro’s city hall officially regulated the Praça Mauá Craft Fair, securing income for 40 families and supporting thousands in need.
Resolution SEOP No. 654, published in the Official Gazette on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, marks a turning point for the dozens of artisans and vendors who have worked at the heart of Praça Mauá since 2016. The regulation ends years of legal uncertainty for those who relied solely on a municipal decree to operate.
A Decade-Long Fight for Recognition
“We have spent nearly a decade fighting for the right to set up the fair legally, and to protect the livelihoods of artisans and vendors,” said Aldari Marques, the fair’s organizer. For him and the 40 families who depend on the space, the resolution is far more than red tape — it is formal recognition of their cultural and social contribution.
We have spent nearly a decade fighting for the right to set up the fair legally, and to protect the livelihoods of artisans and vendors.
Aldari Marques, Praça Mauá Craft Fair organizer
The Praça Mauá Craft Fair offers a wide range of products, including traditional handicrafts, ethnic-inspired pieces, cultural goods from social projects, vintage clothing, antiques, apparel, sweets, preserves, and traditional Brazilian street food.
Art That Changes Lives in Caju
A portion of the fair’s proceeds goes to the Arte Salva Vidas Philanthropic Association, based in the Caju neighborhood of Rio’s revitalized Port Zone. The organization supports more than 600 children and 3,000 families living in social vulnerability — making the fair a direct engine of community impact.
Between Two Museums, a Living Tradition
Nestled between the Museum of Art of Rio (MAR) and the Museum of Tomorrow, the fair occupies one of the city’s most visited public spaces. It draws both locals and tourists, strengthening the cultural identity of Rio’s transformed waterfront district.
Under the new resolution, from April through September, activities move to the Orla Prefeito Luiz Paulo Conde, in front of the Museum of Tomorrow. The fair runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, cementing its place in Rio’s cultural calendar.
Event Info
- Event: Praça Mauá Special Craft Fair
- Location: Praça Mauá, Centro, Rio de Janeiro — between MAR and the Museum of Tomorrow
- Location (April–September): Orla Prefeito Luiz Paulo Conde, in front of the Museum of Tomorrow
- Hours: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Regulation: Resolution SEOP No. 654, April 7, 2026
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