- Type
- History and culture
- Area
- Maceió city waterfront
The Pajuçara Craft Fair is on the waterfront avenue, facing Pajuçara beach. It’s the best-known place for souvenir shopping on Maceió’s city waterfront and an easy outing to fit in between a swim and the late afternoon.
What the fair is like
It’s made up of aisles of covered stalls, side by side. According to Maceió City Hall, the fair has about 200 stalls. Together with the Crafts Pavilion, also in Pajuçara, the complex involves hundreds of traders and artisans.
The space is run by the city. In April 2021, City Hall extended the weekday opening hours of the fair and the pavilion, at the traders’ request, to take advantage of tourist traffic in the early evening. The hours may have changed since then.
What to look for
The variety is wide and mixes local crafts with products from outside the state. To take home something connected to Alagoas:
- Lace and embroidery: Alagoas has a lace tradition, especially filé lace. To see the lacemakers’ work up close, it’s worth going to Pontal da Barra.
- Ceramic, wood and straw pieces, common at the décor stalls.
- Beachwear and accessories, such as cover-ups, bags and hats.
- Sweets and cashew nuts, sold at some stalls.
When to go
| Moment | Why it works |
|---|---|
| After the natural pools | The jangadas leave from the same beach |
| Late afternoon | Gentler sun and a lively waterfront |
| Rainy day | The aisles are covered |
If the day dawns cloudy, the fair fits well into a Maceió on a rainy day itinerary, along with museums and the historic center.
Things to watch when buying
- Payment: ask beforehand which payment methods the stall accepts.
- Lace pieces: ask to see the piece opened out against the light and check for loose threads.
- Food: sweets and nuts should be in sealed, labeled packaging. If you’re taking them on the plane, check your airline’s carry-on rules.
- Bulk: if you still have many days of travel ahead, leave shopping for the end so you don’t carry weight on your outings.
How to get there
The fair is on Avenida Doutor Antônio Gouveia, in Pajuçara. If you’re staying on the city waterfront, you can walk or cycle along the promenade. Pajuçara beach and the departure point for the natural pools are right opposite.
For other shopping options, including filé lace and crafts from other parts of the state, read the shopping and crafts in Maceió guide.
Practical tips
- Combine the visit with a morning at the natural pools or a late afternoon on the waterfront.
- Compare prices between stalls before buying.
- Ask whether the piece was made in Alagoas and by whom.
- For filé lace, also visit Pontal da Barra.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Pajuçara Craft Fair?
On the Pajuçara waterfront, on Avenida Doutor Antônio Gouveia, facing the beach. You can walk there from much of Pajuçara and Ponta Verde.
What are the opening hours?
City Hall has changed the hours in previous years, and they may vary on holidays and in the low season. Check City Hall's official channel before going, especially if you plan to go in the evening.
What can I buy at the fair?
Crafts, beachwear, bags, decorative objects and souvenirs of Alagoas. For filé lace, typical of Alagoas, it's also worth visiting Pontal da Barra, where the lacemakers work.
Are prices fixed?
No. Each stall sets its own prices. Compare between stalls and ask before buying.
Combine with
-
Free access Maceió city waterfront Pajuçara Beach Pajuçara is the most central city beach on Maceió's waterfront and the departure point for jangadas to the natural pools. See details -
PaidTide-dependent Maceió city waterfront Pajuçara Natural Pools The Pajuçara pools only appear at low tide, and you get there by jangada from the sand at Pajuçara. Plan with the tide table. See details -
Mundaú and Manguaba lagoons Pontal da Barra and Filé Lace A Maceió neighborhood between the lagoon and the sea, cradle of Alagoas filé lace, with lacemakers' shops, sunset over Mundaú Lagoon and departures for boat trips. See details