Brazil's liveliest carnival
Pernambuco carnival is bigger than Rio's, just as spectacular, and much less well known, says Brazil Handbook author Alex Robinson.
The twin cities of Olinda and Recife in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco are the focus of Brazil’s largest and most vibrant traditional carnival, which kicked off the first weekend of March this year. Unlike the Rio and Salvador carnivals, all the events are free.
Recife’s Galo da Madrugada parade on the first day of
carnival is the biggest carnival parade in the world, according to the Guinness
Book of Records, with some 1.5 million partygoers flooding the streets.
Olinda and Recife carnivals remain public street celebrations - unlike Rio or Salvador. Locals wear all manner of costumes.
Superman betrays Lois Lane at Olinda carnival.
Maestro band leader Siba is one of the star attractions on the big Marco Zero sound stage in Recife’s old city centre.
Carnival performer from the tiny town of Nazaré da Mata.
Another performer from Nazaré da Mata; the small town hosts one of the liveliest and most traditional carnival parades in Pernambuco.
Street performers from Nazaré da Mata.
Giant boneco or mameluco puppets parade through the streets of Olinda throughout carnival.
There is no samba in Pernambuco carnival – the regional carnival dance is frevo. Troupes of dancers perform this mesmerising acrobatic dance throughout carnival.
Mameluco puppets include effigies of local politicians and celebrities.
Alex Robinson is co-author of Footprint's Brazil Handbook.
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This is edited copy from Footprint Handbooks. For comprehensive details (incl address, tel no, directions, opening times and prices) please refer to book or individual chapter PDF
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