Recife Brazil

Recife Brazil offers a myriad of things to do, people to see, and places to visit. Also known as Brazilian Venice, Recife is the capitol city of Brazil's state, Pernambuco, and the 4th largest city in the entire country of Brazil. This amazing city is bursting with culture, music, shopping, theatre, and much more to see and do!

History of Recife

The history of Recife begins in the year 1534, at which time the King of Portugal divided the country of Brazil into several areas of land. Each area of land was referred to as a capitaincy. A man by the name of Duarte Coelho Pereira was awarded the Capitaincy of Pernambuco and was expected to make something productive from the land using his own time and money.

Pereira founded two larger villages called Olinda and Igaracu. Recife was a small port village outside Olinda. Pereira realized quickly that he could make his capitaincy prosper by exporting brazilwood and sugar cane.

Olinda, the capital city of Pernambuco, was invaded by the Dutch military in 1630. Instead of settling in Olinda, they chose to settle in Recife. By 1637, the people of Pernambuco ousted the Dutch, but not before the Dutch had built bridges, created an urban plan for the city of Recife, and had brought many professionals from Holland to do the work they proposed.

As a result, Recife, once only a small port village, became a large bustling city and an important trading hub throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The 1900s were important years for Recife because several industrial projects were birthed and flourished, helping out the city's economy greatly.

Culture of Recife Brazil

Recife is simply bursting at the seams with cultural outlets! Artists, writers, and musicians call this beautiful city home, so it's no wonder that you can find all types of music, theatre, and carnivals throughout the year. You've heard of the popular celebration, Carnival, yes? The way Recife celebrates this special time of year draws over 1.5 million people!

Between the two cities of Olinda and Recife, you can see a movie at one of the 40 theatres, watch an opera at the opera house, learn the history of the area by visiting one of the 25 museums, enjoy orchestral music at one of the 2 orchestra houses, or enjoy art from around the world when visiting one of the 38 art galleries sprinkled through the two cities.

Economy of Recife Brazil

What keeps the economy of this city growing and going?

• Digital Port or Porto Digital - this area of the city consists of over 90 companies, employing around 3,000 people in technology-driven jobs
  
  
• Services - Recife boasts a large medical facility, several restaurants and hotels, beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and tourist attractions
  
  
• Recife has earned the title of one of the largest logistics centers of the country
  
  
• Hosts many international events throughout the year, which boosts the economy across the board
  
  
• Main industries: tube manufacturing, brewing, canning, manufacturing of chocolate, electronics for automotives, and textiles
  
  
• Huge shopping areas
  
  
• Prime business center for Brazil as a country
  
  
• Boasts two International ports - Suape Port and Port of Recife
  
  
• International Airport
  
  
• Tourism and recreational activities

How is it broken down? The GDP for Recife Brazil, according to 2007 statistics, was around 18.3 billion Reais.

Religion of Recife

Recife is primarily Catholic, but also has Protestants, Spiritists, and still others who claim no religion at all. Back in 1909, a church was built to honor the Patroness Saint of Recife, otherwise known as Nossa Senhora do Carmo. July 16th of each year, she is honored in her church with a special celebration.

What Is There to Do in Recife Brazil?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Here are some highlights of what you can find to do in this diverse city.

• Beaches - Brasilia Teimosa, Pina, and Boa Viagem
  
  
• Shopping - Plaza Shopping Casa Forte Shopping Center Tacaruna, Shopping Center Recife, and Shopping Paço da Alfândega
  
  
• Churches - Madre de Deus, Convento Franciscano de Santo Antônio, and Nossa Senhora do Carmo, just to name a few
  
  
• Justice Palace
  
  
• Santa Isabel Theatre
  
  
• Pottery Brennand
  
  
• Scuba diving - over 100 wrecks are underwater around the coast of Recife, making it the shipwreck capital of Brazil. There are also miles of reef underwater which is great for scuba diving or snorkeling.
  
  
• Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue - it is the oldest known synagogue in South and North America
  
  
• Governor's Palace
  
  
• Culture House - an old jail or detention house was transformed into a shopping area where vendors occupy a jail cell to offer and sell their wares
  
  
• Museums galore
  
  
• Restaurants - from fancy to mom and pop shops or beach fare, you will discover a lot of delicious foods, desserts, and drinks
  
  
• Bars, Dance Clubs, and Nightclubs
  
  
• Fishing from the reefs
  
  
• Porto de Galinhas - a small beach resort town not far from Recife
  
  
• Carnival - experience true Frevo music along with Samba

Recife Brazil is a beautiful, authentic mixture of historic old buildings and new architecture and design. To try and separate the old from the new would cheapen the experience of visiting this city of bridges and waterways.

From the outside, the city looks like it has many dilapidated and dirty buildings, but once you get inside the city, you quickly see how modern some of the city is becoming and you can't deny how the historic sense of the city attracts you.

No matter what city you visit, you should be aware of how to conduct yourself and how to stay safe from opportunists. Recife doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to crime, so do make sure to keep your valuables close to your person as well as out of sight as much as possible. Don't travel alone at night and don't draw unnecessary attention to yourself. It's really no different than traveling in any other city, but it is worth mentioning.