Roadmaps Guest

Top5 Guest– DJ MAM

Music producer and composer creates a guide for the charming Morro da Conceição

DJ MAM has been an ambassador for Brazilian music around the world bringing musical styles such as samba, carimbó and forro to countries such as Colombia, the United States, the UK, Denmark, France, Portugal and Cape Verde. But the Brazilian producer, composer and singer keeps his roots firmly in the Cidade Maravilhosa, in Morro da Conceição a neighbourhood in Rio’s port district where he has lived since 2013. From the rooftop of his house, blessed with a privileged view over Porto Maravilha, he puts on editions of his famed Sotaque Carregado party a fun affair where caipirinhas and feijoada abound and guests can get a glimpse of his personal atelier. A real Rio local, DJ MAM provides here his tips for the best goings‐on in Morro da Conceição, a neighborhood which is a real charm in the centre of Rio.

Pedra do Sal

At the bottom of Morro (which means hill) da Conceição is one of the foremost references to African culture and carioca samba in the city, a story with beginnings in the early 17th Century. And the locale maintains its historic and ethnic roots. Every Monday, from 7pm, a samba party fills the open space of Largo João da Baiana, better known as Pedra do Sal. A typically carioca affair: music in the street, free entry and ice‐cold beer. “It’s worth a visit even if its not during the samba party” Mam says, as he makes reference to the historical architecture, the great rock where revelers gather on party nights and the street art that pays homage to Afro‐Brazilian culture. Another great party not to miss is Baile Black Bom which takes place every second Saturday of the month.

Fortaleza da Conceição

Mam’s advice here is to go for a walk starting from Ladeira João Homem, to get to know the quaint alleyways of the neigbourhood, containing incredibly charming colonial house. It is the Port District’s  very own  Santa Teresa (Rio’s famous bohemian neighbourhood,  known for  its beautiful  colonial  architecture).  At the top  of the  hill  is  a fort that  dates  back to  1713  and provides  a momentary step  back  in time.  “It  is  an  attraction for tourists  and  cariocas  alike” MAM says.

  • Address : Morro da Conceição, , Saúde

Bar Circuit

The local establishments provide a great opportunity to discover not only the tastes but the way of life in this neighbourhood that seems more like a provincial town in the middle of Rio. “there  is  the  cosy  Imaculada,  with  its  famous  bolinho  de  feijoada and  the  lively  Bar  do Geraldinho which serves up a mean sliced salame and honestly priced main courses. On Rua Jogo da Bola, Bar  Léo  is  a  good stop for  a  cold beer  and  a  chat with the  locals. Just  a  little further ahead is Bar do Sérgio which serves the famed delicacies of the bar’s matriarch, Dona Regina,” Mam adds.

Valongo Hanging Gardens

“It is one of the marvels of our city, an important cultural legacy rescued from our past” Mam says in praise of this special attraction. The gardens, was designed in the 20th century to be a replica of  a  French park, was  abandoned for many  years, until  it was  given back to the  city thanks to the renovation project in Porto Maravilha. The garden is completely brought back to life  and  today  includes  a  historical  trail  and  the  Archeological  Collection  in  Celebration  of African Heritage.

  • Address : Rua Camerino, 5, Saúde
  • Schedule: Sun 10:00 às 18:00, Mon 10:00 às 18:00, Tue 10:00 às 18:00, Wed 10:00 às 18:00, Thu 10:00 às 18:00, Fri 10:00 às 18:00, Sat 10:00 às 18:00

Banda da Conceição

An  area famous for  its samba,  you  can’t  leave this  place  out  of  your  carnival  itinerary.  The Grêmio Recreativo Banda da Conceição is a samba school that was created in the 1970s and in 2014  was  revived  by the  area’s  inhabitants  to  bring  back  the  street  carnival  to  the neighbourhood.  “It’s  a trip back to the old Rio.  Its famous samba  chant  “I  arrived  in Mauá” evokes the  high spirits  of  old,”  Mam tells  us.  The carnival  bloco parades  on the  Sunday  of carnival.

  • Address : Morro da Conceição, , Saúde
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