Picnik no Calçadão: Flea Market & Sunset Party

Picnik no calçadão can be translated as Picnik on the sidewalk and is a mixture of flea market and sunset party. Despite of the name, the event was named after the pier situated on the north bank of the Paranoa Lake (Lago Paranoá) in Brasília, where the first edition took place on April 12, 2012 to celebrate the capital's anniversary.

Since then, many of the following editions have been held in other sites across the capital, such as the Botanical Garden, the cultural center of the Banco do Brasil, the City Park, among others - drawing every new edition an ever growing crowd of youngs, adults and children due to the relaxed, friendly and convivial atmosphere prevailing in the event.

Some of the many attractions include not only local artists who showcase their artworks including decor, fashion costume jewelry, clothing etc. but also live bands or DJs playing extensive repertoire. There are even free workshops delivering yoga, handicraft etc. classes.

Late editions have included food trucks, but it is possible to find homemade delicacies and pastries as option for food. Many visitors, however, bring their own picnic baskets full of fruits, sandwiches, juices and other snacks. Beverages like beers or sodas can be bought from street vendors or kiosks at the local. 

If you come from countries where the temperatures are low most part of the year, you can have an idea of this event, as it reminds me of summer time in Europe where people turn the riverside into campsites by stretching their picnic towels, lie down on the grass or simply wander calmly along the riverbanks for the sake of enjoying the sunshine hours.

Brasilia is not that different from the right angles. Give it a try. I am sure you will fall in love with Picnik no calçadão.

To learn more, visit the Picnik's page on the Facebook by clicking here.

All the photos below can be found on the Facebook.