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Areninha Cultural Carlos Zéfiro is reopened in Anchieta, with a show by Teresa Cristina
Published on 13/09/2025 - 16:37 | Updated on 13/09/2025 - 16:44
The cultural space underwent extensive renovations to modernize and expand its capacity - Rafael Catarcione / Rio City Hall The Rio de Janeiro City Hall, through the Municipal Department of Culture, reopened this Saturday (13/09) the Carlos Zéfiro Cultural Arena, in Anchieta, in the North Zone. The event featured a show by singer Teresa Cristina and Velha Guarda do Império Serrano, as well as performances of jongo, capoeira and carimbó.
"This is another action by the city government to strengthen culture in our city and, most importantly, to increasingly democratize the population's access to artistic expression," said Rio's mayor, Eduardo Paes.
The renovation is part of a comprehensive modernization program for the former cultural tents. The new Areninha's capacity was increased to 520 spectators. The work included reinforcing the metal structure and replacing the canvas with sandwich tiles, offering thermal and acoustic insulation, as well as new lighting, ventilation, exhaust, and air conditioning.
In the reopened space, the bleachers were also replaced with a concrete structure, handrails were installed, and a new lighting and sound booth was installed. Restrooms, ramps, and dressing rooms were also installed to make the arena fully accessible. The electrical systems were also modernized.
The project, which began in December 2024, cost approximately R$3 million. Municipal Secretary of Culture Lucas Padilha cited the improvements that made the space suitable for hosting major artists and a variety of cultural events.
"We celebrated the inauguration of the Areninha Carlos Zéfiro, the latest in a series of nine renovations to transition this cultural arena model. Air conditioning, a better roof, permanent acoustics—everything works well so that any artist from Brazil or around the world can perform in the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. Here, we also have a space that has been doubled for courses and seminars, a recording studio, a dance room, and top-of-the-line equipment so that everyone can enjoy the best of Rio's culture in Anchieta," said Padilha.
Rio's City Hall maintains a network of 13 arenas and small arenas located in the North and West Zones, with intense and varied programming, including theater plays, stand-up comedy, and musical performances, always with free admission or charity tickets. Singer Teresa Cristina, who had already performed at the venue before the renovation, praised the facilities and the opportunity to take the stage with the Velha Guarda do Império Serrano.
"I sang here a few years ago. It smells like something new. You know what it's like when you walk in and smell a new car? I liked the sound, the space, and especially doing this show, which is the pride of my life. These people need to be recognized because they gave their all for the schools. Their lives were dedicated to the samba schools. And when they reach a certain age, they're considered old guard, receiving accolades, but they don't have work, they don't perform. And what makes these people happy is singing, seeing the audience, and that's the beauty of the arena: the audience is so close. You feel the affection from the people right away," said the singer.
The audience welcomed the news with the same enthusiasm as Teresa Cristina. Giane Silva Nascimento, a special education support agent, also enjoyed Saturday's program and is already considering returning, even though she lives in another municipality.
"The arena looks great, really pretty. I'll have a lot of fun. I live in Nilópolis, but it's only a 10-minute drive. I hope to come more often. I loved it. The visibility (of the stage) is good. Access is good. You can come by train or bus. I thought it was excellent," Giane celebrated.
Who was Carlos Zefiro
Civil servant Alcides Aguiar Caminha, born in 1921, used the pseudonym Carlos Zéfiro to illustrate erotic comic books between the 50s and 70s. Some editions had print runs of over 30. The true identity of the graphic artist, a resident of Anchieta, was only discovered in 1991, shortly before his death.
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