Festivals and Events in Recife, Brazil 🎉

Recife, the capital city of Pernambuco state in northeastern Brazil, is known for its vibrant culture and lively events. Here are some of the most popular local festivals and events you shouldn’t miss:

1. Carnival (February or March) 🥳

Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most famous events in Recife, attracting millions of visitors from around the world. With its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage, Recife’s Carnival is characterized by colorful street parades called “blocos,” samba schools, and traditional music such as frevo and maracatu.

2. Boi-Preto Festival (December) 🐃

Celebrating the traditional cattle breed of Pernambuco, the Boi-Preto Festival honors the African influence in Brazilian culture. The festival includes a parade with decorated oxen, traditional music, food, and dance performances.

3. Festa de Santo Amaro (July) 🌟

Honoring Saint Amaro, the patron saint of Recife, this annual event takes place in the historic Olinda neighborhood. The celebration includes processions, religious ceremonies, music, and food.

4. Festa Junina (June) 🎈

Festa Junina is a traditional mid-year festival celebrating St. John the Baptist. It’s filled with games, music, dance, and traditional foods like popcorn, candied fruits, and “johnny cake.” Don’t forget to try the homemade ice cream made from condensed milk and guava or coconut!

5. Festa das Tabocas (November) 🌾

Celebrating the agricultural roots of Recife, Festa das Tabocas honors the women who traditionally harvested corn in the region. The festival includes a parade of decorated “tabocas” or straw shelters, traditional music, food, and dance performances.

6. Maracatu de Alto Capoeira (August) 💃🏼🕺️

Maracatu is a traditional Afro-Brazilian dance and music performance, considered an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. The Maracatu de Alto Capoeira event in Recife showcases the rich cultural heritage of Pernambuco.

7. Cirio de Nazaré (October) ⛪️

This religious festival, held in the historic neighborhood of Nazaré, honors Our Lady of Nazareth. The highlight of the event is a procession carrying an image of the Virgin Mary through the streets, accompanied by music and dance.