Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco, is the 4th largest Metropolitan area in Brazil, with almost 4 million inhabitants, and it is the largest metropolitan area of Brazilian North/Northeast Regions. It is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean. The name Recife means "reef" in Portuguese, in allusion to the coral reefs that are present by the city's shores. The many rivers, small islands and over 50 bridges found in Recife characterize its geography and gives it the moniker of the "Brazilian Venice."
Like most cities in Brazilian Northeast region, Recife is developing its tourist sector. There are beautiful beaches in the city and some kilometers outside of it, and we could name some of them as hot spots: Boa Viagem, Maria Farinha, those located in Itamaraca island and probably the most famous one, Porto de Galinhas, 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the city, which has been repeatedly awarded the title of the best and the most beautiful Brazilian beach.
Recife's infrastructure is among the most developed in Brazil for travellers. But due to the social gap between rich and poor, it is also one of the most violent cities of the country. There are many slums all over the city, and poverty shows its face with a lot of beggars and homeless people, most of them seen downtown. As job is not easy to get, there are many children, teenagers and adults who sell products in the traffic lights. And male and female prostitution is also common.
Due to the city's proximity to the equator, the weather is generally warm. Recife has a number of islands, rivers, waterways and bridges that cross the city. Recife is located amidst tropical forests which are distinguished by high rainfall levels. There is an absence of extreme temperatures and there is a constant cool breeze due to the winds from the Atlantic Ocean.
Recife has a year-round tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity throughout the year. January is the warmest month, with temperatures ranging from 30 °C (86 °F) to 25 °C (77 °F), with sun; July experiences the coolest temperatures, with mean temperatures ranging from 27 °C (81 °F) to 22 °C (72 °F), with daily rain.
Recife is connected with the city of Olinda, which has its historic town center considered a world heritage site by UNESCO. Recife is now a large city whereas Olinda is a small historical town. Recife is an historical city too, distinguished by the opulence of its colonial buildings.
The mix of Portuguese, native Indians and black slaves would be enough to make Recife one of the most culturally diverse cities in Brazil. But the Dutch were added to the mix, for they took control of part of Brazilian Northeast region for decades. During this period, Recife became one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. There was a first Jewish community, and the first synagogue in the Americas was founded in the city.
The celebrations, holidays and other events are numerous during the whole year. The Carnival of Recife and Olinda begins many weeks ahead in December with innumerable parties and parades. In the city, the Carnival festivities begin in December, as locals begin preparing for the official Carnival, which starts the week before Ash Wednesday. The pre-Carnival parties usually consist of percussion groups practicing in local clubs, city streets and squares, and even pre-Carnival parties take place. There is a variety of rhythms from different cultures. Carnival officially starts with the Galo da Madrugada, which as Guiness Book of Records says, is the biggest Carnival street party on Earth. It takes place on the streets downtown Recife attracting more than 2 million people from Brazil and foreigners too. But it is important to remember that during Carnival prices go higher, so those who intend to visit the city during that period must prepare extra money on the budget. One of the most typical rhythms from Pernambuco state is maracatu.
For more information about Recife and how we can help you during your stay in the city, please contact us by e-mail: sindri_o@hotmail.co.uk
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