Carioca Rationalist meetup

The LessWrong community, known for its focus on AI safety, rationality, and effective altruism, is expanding its global reach with a Carioca Rationalist meetup in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Scheduled for March 21, 2026, this event represents the "Spring" meetup (though it's autumn in the Southern Hemisphere) for readers of both LessWrong and Scott Alexander's Astral Codex Ten blog. The gathering will take place at Praça Nelson Mandela in the Botafogo neighborhood, conveniently located near the metro station entrance, with plans to move to a nearby pub once a sufficient group has assembled.

The event has no fixed duration, allowing participants to stay as long as they wish, reflecting the informal, community-driven nature of rationalist gatherings. Organizer Giskard (Tiago M. Macedo) encourages anyone interested in AI alignment, existential risk reduction, and related topics to attend, emphasizing the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in Brazil. This meetup highlights the growing internationalization of AI safety discussions, moving beyond traditional hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area to engage global perspectives on critical technological challenges.

With 2 confirmed attendees and open RSVPs through the LessWrong platform, the event demonstrates how online rationalist communities are translating digital discussions into real-world connections. The choice of Rio de Janeiro as a location suggests increasing interest in AI safety and effective altruism principles within Latin America's tech and academic circles. Such gatherings often serve as incubators for collaborative projects and career connections within the AI alignment field, potentially influencing how emerging technologies are developed and governed in Portuguese-speaking regions.