Santa Teresa throws an arty party

The cobbled streets of Santa Teresa will be choc-a-bloc this weekend, as the leafy, laid-back neighborhood hosts its annual Arte de Portas Abertas festival.

From 10am-6pm on Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, the neighborhood is transformed into one giant art gallery, with over 70 local artists throwing open the doors to their studios and inviting the public in to have a peek around.

If you’re thinking hushed conversations and quiet appreciation of the artworks, think again. This is Rio de Janeiro, after all, and things are done differently here.

Santa Teresa is known as the hub for Rio’s artistic and musical communities, and the boho bairro knows how to throw a party. As well as the chance to visit the colourful studios, visitors should expect abundant live music and a very lively atmosphere in the neighbourhood’s many excellent bars and restaurants.

The two-day art festival is now in it’s 19th year, and is always a lively, colourful event with plenty going on even for those who don’t know their art from their elbow. For those who are artistically-inclined, the event is a real treasure hunt – with plenty of opportunity to buy as well as to admire.

Santa Teresa also boasts more than its fair share of cultural centres, many of which will be laying on special events as part of the arty party.

Although the official happenings draw to a close at 6pm, the party atmosphere will continue well into the evening, so it’s well worth hanging around to appreciate just what makes this beautiful hillside neighbourhood quite so special. Hop on board the rattling yellow bonde (tram) Head for the main square at Largo do Guimaraes,which is surrounded by shops, bars and restaurants, and you’ll soon be under the spell of charming Santa Teresa.