By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – While Halloween celebrations in Brazil remain less elaborate than those in others locations around the world, Dia das Bruxas (Day of Witches), as the holiday is also known here, is gaining in popularity. With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, many venues, both foreign and locally owned, are seizing the opportunity to throw a festive Halloween party.
“If you enjoyed Halloween in your country, why not celebrate here in Brazil,” Bob Fetterman, owner of both Mab’s Restaurant and Bar and the Lapa Irish Pub, told The Rio Times, adding, “Locals are getting more involved every year.”
Both Mab’s and the Lapa Irish Pub will host parties on Friday night to celebrate Halloween. When asked what his favorite part of celebrating Halloween in Brazil was, Fetterman said, “I enjoy seeing the homemade costumes and the thought that went into someone making it.”
Mab’s, a restaurant and bar on Copacabana Beach, will celebrate the holiday with Halloween Mab’s Fantasy. The event is a costume party, where those who arrive dressed for the festival will pay only R$40 for entry. Beginning at 9PM on Friday night, the event will feature a rodízio of drinks similar to the Mab’s Secrets night and Flávio Jacaré and Alexandre Cabide will provide live music.
Meanwhile, at Lapa Irish Pub, located beside Lapa’s famous Arcos da Lapa (Lapa Arches), the Black Sabbath tribute band, Bat Salad, will play live during the Halloween Party which will begin at 8PM on Friday night. Entry to the party is only R$20 for those who arrive in costume. Additionally, a costume contest will take place and the winner, announced at midnight, will receive R$200 in credit.
In Ipanema, the American-owned Gringo Café began celebrating the holiday early on October 24th, when it began the first night of the premiere edit of Gringo Halloween. The event series features nightly Halloween-themed movies screenings through November 1st at the popular diner. On Halloween night, one film, “Addams Family,” will screen at 7PM before the Halloween Party, complete with live DJ, kicks of at 9PM.
In the neighborhood of Catete, InterNations Rio de Janeiro will host their Halloween Rock n Horror party at Casarão Ameno Reseda. The event, scheduled to begin at 7PM, will feature two live bands, Head Blues and The Windows, and a DJ who will play the best Halloween tunes.
Costumes aren’t mandatory for the event but for those who choose to dress up, there will be a best costume contest. For the winner, Etours Brazil will provide a package for two people to the box seats of Maracana Stadium during the Flamengo Game.
The Halloween Rock n Horror party entry fee, which includes a free drink between 7PM and 10PM, varies depending on membership status and ranges from R$10-R$50. Those interest should RSVP here, as soon as possible, as the Guest List closes at 2PM on Friday, October 31st.
This year, many Brazilian venues including, Fosobox, Miroir and Praia Club will celebrate Halloween. One standout celebration, promises to be the Zombieland! party at Lapa’s Teatro Odisséia.
Beginning at 11PM on Friday night, the Zombieland! party will feature live DJs and video projections of the “The Walking Dead” and classic horror films throughout night. There will also be “apocalyptic” decorations and the venue will provide attendees with free zombie make-up. Additionally, there will be a costume contest and festive shots with miniature brains.
For more information about times, addresses and venues hosting Halloween celebrations in Rio de Janeiro this year, see here, The Rio Times Nightlife Guide for Friday, October 31st.