The primary attraction in Recife that appeals to both children and adults is the local carnival. This vibrant celebration takes place in December with the primary goal of ensuring that everyone can participate. Stages are set up on nearly every street, featuring performances not only by local dancers but also by capoeira masters.
The key distinction between Recife's entertainment and Rio's Carnival is the music. While Rio is known for samba, Recife's carnival resonates with the rhythms of frevo and maracatu. These musical styles draw inspiration from African rhythms and trace their origins to the region's rich slave communities.