In its almost 600 years of age and History, the city is a woven knit of culture influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and African Heritage, symbolizing the diversity and original flavor only Brazil can offer. Geographically a river archipelago, Recife displays beautiful bridges and authentic Colonial Architecture from the time Maurice of Nassau took inspiration from Venice in how to take advantage of the rivers to create a tropical metropolis.
Where
A little heads up: I might be a little biased about this subject. I grew up in Recife and being surrounded by History and beautiful views is something you almost get used to. Almost.
Recife is the Capital of Pernambuco, one of the 26 Brazilian states. Its name comes from the word arrecifes, the reefs in the ocean, which were very favorable to the Portuguese when they arrived to the Brazilian Coast looking for a place to anchor their caravels. The area soon turned to be one of the first Brazilian ports, later on developing into one of the oldest cities in the country.
Recife has a lot of dynamic History, from Dutch invasion to Jewish immigration plus its original culture mixed from all the influences. What is left today? A vibrant city by the Atlantic Ocean waiting to be explored.
It’s time for the World to listen to this story because there’s a lot to see and learn.
Why
Here’s the thing, my fellow Americans: I say Brazil, your hear Rio. Or Amazon forest. Or Sao Paulo. And yes, Brazil is all of that but so much more!
Recife is located in the Northeastern Region in Brazil, an area that has been historically repressed and scarce in resources due to geographical and geopolitical natures. Still, somehow the people found ways to overcome these issues while still being creative and resilient – things that Brazilians are mostly known for. It’s time for the World to listen to this story because there’s a lot to see and learn.
What
Recife offers various activities for different interests: nature, art, culture, architecture, history, you’ll name it. That being said, here are my favorite things to do:
- Go to Marco Zero and see the sunset on a Sunday. Marco Zero is a large patio in heart of the city surrounded by historical buildings with a view of the Capibaribe River as it drains into the Atlantic Ocean.
The area is filled with activities and cultural manifestations during the weekend. Get yourself some churros, see some street art, and maybe a Maracatu Group will be rehearsing nearby. The whole neighborhood around it is filled with Art and History Museums.
- Eat dinner and go souvenir shopping at Boa Viagem Street Fair. Affectionately called Feirinha de Boa Viagem, the street fair by Boa Viagem Beach is a great place to get familiar with quintessential local handicraft and cuisine. I suggest trying tapioca and acarajé, but don’t underestimate the power of a Brazilian chocolate cake.
Get yourself a “I went to Recife and survived the sharks” T-shirt, they’re funny (Boa Viagem Beach is well-known for being a shark nursery and occasional shark attacks when the tide is high).
- Visit Brennand’s Ceramic Atelier. Francisco Brennand is a renowned Brazilian sculptor with heavy Modern and Contemporary influences. His work can be seen all around Recife, including a large sculpture seen from the Marco Zero known as Torre de Cristal, or Crystal Tower. His work is beautifully displayed in his Atelier, a large landscaping marvel located in the Varzea neighborhood. Check their website here.
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
Henry Miller
I hope I was able to leave a good impression. This is a beautiful city that I’m excited to share with the World. Leave me a comment if you ever take a trip there!
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