Brazilian culture has been influenced greatly by the Portuguese, Indians, Africans, Europeans and settlers from the Middle East and Asia. One of their main contributions can be seen in the beautiful and rich arts & craft markets spread throughout the country.
Historically, handicrafts have received little recognition as an art form in Brazil. However, in the last few decades it has been 
gaining popularity for celebrating local culture and restoring traditions. Naturally creative, the Brazilian people value the importance of cultivating a family tradition and art form that has been handed down from generation to generation.
The role of artisans is gaining more significance in the Brazilian economy. the industry is giving many low-in-come women an 
opportunity to become entrepreneurs and improve their family economic conditions.
National Tradition
It is interesting to notice that arts and crafts can be found throughout the country and they differ from region to region.
Woodcarving
In northeastern Brazil, many woodcarving and sculpting techniques were inherited from the African slaves. The Portuguese Jesuits also passed on skills in the carving and painting of religious figures in wood. Originally they encouraged their indigenous converts in the techniques, but today others practice the art. Woodcarving is widespread in Pernambuco and Bahia in the northeast. The technique is also found in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Ceramics
In northeastern Brazil, religious figures are also made in clay. They will be found in Tracunhaém, near Recife. Another place where ceramics are even more famous is Alto da Moura, near Caruaru. Both cities are in Pernambuco state.
The ceramic pots are also made in the Amazon region and they come in various styles.
Textiles
Ceará, in the north, is famous for its lace-making, and beautiful pieces are sold all over Brazil. In other parts of the north, hammocks and other woven items can be found. The hammock is, of course, a typical household item.
In southern areas where European immigration was heaviest, many traditional costumes can be seen. Leatherwork, although not confined to the south, can be found in any region where cattle are raised.
Musical Instruments
The most popular instruments are those connected with African music, especially the hand and friction drums like the zabumba, cuica and reco reco, and the berimbau (used for capoeira). Here again, the best place to look is in the northeast where the African heritage is strongest.
Souvenirs
Another northeastern craft is pictures made in bottles with coloured sands. Lençóis, Bahia, and Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, are good places to buy them.
Baskets
In Amazônia, a huge variety of raw materials are available for making baskets, nets, hammocks, slings for carrying babies, masks and body adornments. In the northeast, too, baskets come in all shapes and sizes, especially in Bahia, Pernambuco and Paraíba.
Craft Markets
Traditional tourist spots, the craft fairs are a special attraction for those who visit the Brazilian cities and want to learn a bit about their art and culture.
Feira da Torre: Meeting point of many Brasilia residents, with stalls of crafts, furniture, jewelry mixing wood and seeds, light colored linen or cotton fabric clothes, typical dishes and the traditional fried turnover with sugarcane juice.
São Cristovão Fair: The São Cristovão Fair, in Rio de Janeiro, is an excellent option for shopping, eating and fun. With almost 700 tents, it offers products such as handicrafts, fabrics and mouth-watering foods, and the best, in the groove of North-eastern rhythms, like forró.
Liberdade Fair: Inaugurated in 1975, the Feira Oriental da Liberdade (as it is also known), in São Paulo, was created with the aim of presenting the work of oriental immigrants and showcase a little more of the Japanese culture for those passing by. The food section is one of the most visited and offers many Chinese and Japanese delights, and, of course, Brazilian cuisine.
Caruaru Fair: The city of Caruaru, 123 km from Recife, In 
Pernambuco, is known for one of the biggest June festivities in the world, but also for having one of the most traditional fairs in the country. Held for more than 200 years, it comprises countless colorful tents spread over two kilometers on the streets of the city, offering a wide variety of popular handicraft products such as hats of all fabrics and sizes, baskets, clay and ceramic objects, among others. One of the attractions that draw 
hundreds of people to the fair is also the cuisine. The fair offers visitors regional foods like those made of grilled meat and goat, apart from medicinal herbs, fruits and veggies. There are also sections where you will find clothes, shoes, bags, pots, furniture and, if you’re lucky, you 
will bump into some performances of Fife bands (set of percussion and wind instruments) and guitar players.
Sources: Ministry of Tourism, Visitbrasil.com, Footprinttravelguide.com