Carnival partying in Recife

The World ARC crews had a great morning today as they visited the city of Recife for the annual parade of the Galo da Madrugada. This annual parade, translated as the morning rooster parade, is the first real event of the Carnival programme in city and is definitely the biggest. In 1994, the parade was recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the largest block of carnival in the world, with 1.5 million revellers. The streets along the four kilometre route of the parade were buzzing with music, dance and excitement as the decorated trucks with sound systems and the live bands pumped out their entertainment.

At the head of the parade was a large model rooster, followed by the Carnival King and Queen. The rooster was parade through the streets until the Duarte Coelho bridge, on which was already standing a thirty metre talle model, which was the iconic symbol of the parade. Along the parade route were refreshments stalls and bystanders, dancing to the local music. The tunes of Frevo and Maracatu music kept the party goers on their toes and added to the great atmosphere around the neighbourhoods.

The carnival events continue for the next few days with events morning, noon and night. The occasional downpour is forecast but these showers aren’t expected to dampen the spirits for long. Tomorrow the World ARC crews will visit Olinda for an altogether different experience of Carnival in north east Brazil but they’ll still get the chance to party!