Key Points
Dry and warm tonight — 26°C, 5% rain — which is exactly what Monday’s two great rodas want. After a damp Sunday, the open-air samba is on at full strength.
Pedra do Sal (Saúde, Largo João da Baiana) holds its Monday roda from 19h to midnight — free, outdoor, 20 years running at the birthplace of carioca samba. This is the city’s most famous Monday night, and the weather is perfect for it.
Samba do Trabalhador (Andaraí, Clube Renascença, R. Barão de São Francisco 54) runs with Moacyr Luz — doors 16h30, samba 17h to 21h30, entry from around R$10. A seated, indoor roda with a neighbourhood-party feel.
The two are different in character: Pedra do Sal is outdoor, free and slightly alternative; Samba do Trabalhador is seated, ticketed and dressed-up. Both are the real thing.
