Pernambuco – Site Inspection Report, Part #1 .......... Recife, Cultural Capital of Brazil? Part 1 Posted by Adam Carter
Posted by Adam Carter on Tue, Mar 02, 2010 @ 06:47 PM
Greetings Brazil Nuts!
I recently travelled on a site inspection trip hosted by the state's tourist office, to Pernambuco, one of Brazil's most culturally rich and naturally blessed states.
This is the first in a series of reports about my findings, and how they would influence the planning of a potential visitor's travel itinerary.
Located squarely in the heart of Brazil's northeast region (think America's southern states... maybe Mississippi!) Pernambuco is famous for epic historical struggles (the Portuguese, French, Dutch and English all fought over it), rich cultural traditions (European, African and Native American blood lines contribute exotic and colorful heritages), exciting music and dance and an enviable culinary scene. Top that off with a beautiful coastline of sublime beaches (Porto de Galinhas is only one of them!) and the breathtaking and environmentally pristine archipelago of Fernando de Noronha set hundreds of miles into the South Atlantic Ocean and you have a the recipe for a compelling travelers destination.
And today, with direct flights from major US cities right into Recife (Delta from Atlanta and American from Miami) there is more reason than ever for visitors to Brazil to consider Pernambuco Let's start with Recife. Named for the vast corridor of reefs that protect its beaches (Boa Viagem is the famous one!) and harbor, Recife is the state capital. A central player in Portugal's development (shall we say exploitation?) of Brazil, Recife was always one of the jewels in the empire's crown. And today, after a century of relative neglect, its historical and cultural attractions are making a big comeback, positioning itself as the "culture capital of Brazil". And lest you think that this is overblown, empty rhetoric, let me assure you: Recife is indeed all that!