Boa Viagem Art and Handicraft fair
Recife
At a glance
One of the most traditional places to see in Boa Viagem is the artcraft fair, locally known as the 'Feirinha de Boa Viagem'. It is one of the oldest such fairs in Brazil and is set around a tiny church, on a square facing the beach.
In the many stands, you'll find a good variety of items: clothing for children and adults, jewellery (both cheap and expensive), hammocks, embroidery from several regions of the state, handicraft and other pieces of local art . Weekends is when the most stands are set up: about 200 of them to choose from.
The prices in the Feirinha remain quite fair in comparison to more touristy places, since the fair, though visited by many foreigners, is still popular among locals and a part of the neighbourhood's routine. Bargaining skills can also come in handy when you buy bulk. Normally, residents will gather on the square in the warm evenings for a snack from one of the stands. Tapiocas, acarajé, cakes, pastry, 'espetinho' (barbecued beef or chicken on a skewer) and other fabulously greasy and deep-fried treats (of the sort you'll only find in street fairs) are on the menu. If, however, you feel more like sitting down and enjoying a fuller meal, a restaurant with local specialities is also available on the square and a por kilo one nearby .
