The Rio Botanical Garden celebrates Caatinga Day with special activities for all ages

In celebration of Caatinga Day, observed on April 28, the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden is hosting a special free program at the Botanical Garden Museum, featuring two activities throughout the day: the “Art and Nature: Woodcut” workshop, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and the “Cultivating Ideas – Caatinga: Science, Flora, and Cordel” event, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The activities will take place in the Museum’s Multipurpose Room and are geared toward different audiences—from children and families to researchers and those interested in the topic—with limited spots available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition, the Garden offers the Caatinga Trail, departing from the Visitor Center at 10 a.m. The trail will be guided and free of charge; only the Arboretum admission fee applies. Mulungu, juazeiro, xique-xique, and mandacaru are some of the species featured on this tour. No registration is required to participate; simply show up.

As the only exclusively Brazilian biome, the Caatinga is home to a rich diversity of species adapted to the conditions of the semi-arid region and plays a fundamental role in the conservation of national biodiversity. Celebrating this date reaffirms the importance of scientific knowledge combined with the cultural expressions that emerge from these territories, broadening the public’s perspective on Brazilian flora and its multiple narratives.

In the afternoon, the event brings together botanical science and cordel literature, promoting a conversation that weaves together academic knowledge, poetic expression, and dialogue with the public, featuring researcher Domingos Cardoso (JBRJ). With expertise in botany, plant diversity, and studies on Brazilian flora, Domingos is responsible for the scientific curation and the development of the botanical narrative on the Caatinga, presented through a lecture and a photographic exhibition. The event will also feature cordel poetry readings by Denner Matos Roma and will conclude with a discussion with the audience.

Caatinga Day - April 28

- Art and Nature Workshop: Woodcut

Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Multipurpose Room

Spots: 15, first-come, first-served

- Cultivating Ideas – Caatinga: Science, Flora, and Cordel

Time: 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Multipurpose Room

Spots: 50, first-come, first-served

- Caatinga Trail

Time: 10:00 AM

Meeting Point: Visitors Center

Spots: 20, first-come, first-served

Access via Rua Jardim Botânico, 1008 – Jardim Botânico.