Rio's Pequena África heritage seeks global tourism boost

The Pequena África district in Rio de Janeiro, located on the Bay of Guanabara, contains the historic Cais do Valongo – the largest entry point for enslaved Africans in the Americas and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017. The area also hosts the Museu Nacional da Cultura Afro‑Brasileira, the Instituto de Pesquisa e Memória Pretos Novos, the Pedra do Sal and the long‑standing Afoxé Filhos de Gandhi carnival block.

During the recent Feira Preta Festival at Piér Mauá, organizers highlighted the district’s cultural and gastronomic appeal and urged tourism authorities to promote it as a major international attraction. Founder of Diáspora Black Antonio Pita said, “Many people picture Rio as beaches and parties, but they have not linked tourism with its traditional roots.” The festival attracted about 130 entrepreneurs and 10 000 visitors, and participants called for inclusion of Pequena África in travel guides and airport promotions.

Afro‑tourism specialist Emily Borges warned that “the true luxury of travel lies in deep, memory‑rich experiences,” urging hotels and operators to place the district on their itineraries.