Recife Events, Things to Do and Festivals 2014 / 2015

(Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil)

Ranking as one of the most folkloric festivals that Brazil has to offer, the Recife Carnival is famous for its vibrancy and locals like to say that it is Brazil's finest.

Those lucky enough to by stay in Recife during the carnival (carnaval) season will be treated to all manner of events, parades, samba dancing and things to do, see and enjoy. However, don't think that you will just be watching the fun - you'll be expected to join in, along with everyone else.


The carnival festivities in Recife usually begin at the end of February, although the lead up during the weeks of early February sees endless parties, events and various rehearsals. The week before (semana pre) is particularly exciting and filled with anticipation, and not to be missed if at all possible.

Recife Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

Reputedly the biggest carnival 'bloco' (dancing and singing parade) in existence, the 'Galo da Madrugada' takes place on the official Saturday opening and reliably brings an incredible world record-breaking 1.5 million people to the streets of Recife. Many of the events and activities are based along the Avenida Guararapes, the Alfandega area, the Patio de Sao Pedro and the Plaza Rio Branco (Marco Polo Square).

If you have missed the Recife carnival, then don't worry, since the city hosts another out-of-season carnaval festival over a four-day period at the end of October / beginning of November. This event is often staged around the beachfront at Jaboatao dos Guararapes, on the southern side of the Boa Viagem area.

Many further festivals, concerts and similar events are held throughout the year at the Pernambuco Convention Centre (Centro de Convencoes de Pernambuco), which is located between Recife and its neighbouring suburb city of Olinda. This is actually the third-biggest convention centre in Brazil and features two theatres capable of seating audiences of almost 3,000 people.

Apart from the carnival, other annual festivals in Recife include the following:

• Brasil Music Port (Musica Brasil / Porto Musical)
• Festa Junina (Saint John / Bonfire Festival)
• International Food Festival (Feira Internacional da Alimentacao)
• Olinda International Music Show (Olinda Mostra Internacional de Musica)
• Pernambuco International Music Festival (Festival Internacional de Musica de Pernambuco)
• Recife Audiovisual Festival (Cine-PE)