Rio Gastronomia festival attracts 130,000 people in Rio de Janeiro

The Rio Gastronomia 2026 festival, recognized as Brazil’s largest gastronomic event, concluded its 12-day run at the Jockey Club in Rio de Janeiro. The 16th edition attracted more than 130,000 attendees and featured 40 participating restaurants.

In addition to culinary offerings, the event included musical performances by artists such as Samuel Rosa, Ferrugem, and Marcelo D2, as well as family attractions like a Ferris wheel and a dedicated kids' area. Over 511,000 food units were sold during the festival, with the octopus empanada from the debut restaurant Gonza emerging as the most popular dish, with over 10,000 units consumed.

Organizers noted the festival's role in promoting local tourism and cultural diversity. The event featured insights from over 50 renowned chefs and was supported by various sponsors and institutions, including the Ministry of Culture and the City of Rio de Janeiro.