An open-air roda on the stone steps of the Pedra do Sal, the heart of the old Pequena África where Riotur places the birth of urban carioca samba. The Monday roda draws a big crowd that sings every chorus standing in the street.
- Address
- Rua Argemiro Bulcão / Rua Tia Ciata, Saúde, Rio de Janeiro
- Hours
- Mon 19:00-23:00; other groups Fri-Sun from 18:00 (Time Out, 2023; Riotur lists rodas Friday to Monday)
- Best time to go
- Late night · About 2.5 h
- Price
- Free; drinks from street vendors and nearby bars (Time Out, 2023; O Globo, 2026)
- Price level
- R$
- Music
- Live music
- Dancing
- Yes
- Entry
- Free entry
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Arrive by about 19:00 on Monday to stand near the musicians; it is standing room only and fills the whole street.
- On 2 December (Dia Nacional do Samba) candomblé groups and the Filhos de Gandhi wash the stone, with rodas and capoeira (Riotur).
- Keep your phone out of sight on the street; the UK FCDO notes phone thefts are common, especially between 4pm and 9pm. Leave by ride-hailing booked in the official app rather than hailing a taxi on the street (FCDO advice).