the northeastern fair in são cristóvão, known locally as 'feira nordestina', takes place in rio de janeiro at the centro luiz gonzaga de tradições nordestinas (luiz gonzaga center for northeastern traditions). around 700 stalls offer food, drink, clothes, music, and a general taste of culture from the northeast of brazil, throughout the huge 32,000 square meter space.    

the fair, which attracts an estimated 250,00 visitors, dates back to 1945, when brazil's northeastern communities traveled to rio de janeiro in search of work. they set up an impromptu gathering to cook their favorite cuisines, and to reminisce about the homes they left behind. throughout the years this gathering gained momentum and popularity, and eventually evolved into what it is today.