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Recife
Recife (pronunciation IPA: [he'sifi]) (Portuguese for reef), 2005 population 1.515.052 (3.646.204 in the metropolitan area) is the second largest city in the Northeastern Region of Brazil, the largest metropolitan area and the most important cultural, economic, political and science-minded city in this Region. It is the fifth largest metropolitan area in Brazil and the capital of Pernambuco. Recife is also where the Beberibe River meets the Capibaribe River to flow into the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean. Recife is served by Guararapes International Airport. Surrounded by rivers and crossed by bridges, Recife is full of islands and mangroves that magnify its geography. It is known as the Brazilian Venice, thanks to its fluvial resemblance with the European city, and is considered one of Brazil's cultural capitals. Recife is the birthplace of poets and writers Manuel Bandeira, João Cabral de Melo Neto, Gilberto Freyre, Paulo Freire, Nelson Rodrigues, Carlos Pena Filho, Saulo Moreira and Sebastião Uchoa Leite,; and of such composers as Chico Science, Lenine, Fred Zero Quatro, Otto, Pochyua Andrade, Don Tronxo, Valença Brothers, Antônio Nóbrega, Naná Vasconcelos, Jorge du Peixe, Paulo Diniz, Fernando Lobo and Antônio Maria. Canadian ice hockey player Robyn Regehr and footballers Vavá, Rivaldo and Juninho Pernambucano were also born in Recife.
HistoryThe area around Recife was one of the first in Brazil to be settled by the Portuguese Crown. In 1534, John III of Portugal divided Brazil into Hereditary Captaincies (Capitanias Hereditárias, in Portuguese); the Portuguese realized that they had no human or financial resources to invest in such a large and distant colony, and decided to assign this task to private entrepreneurs, called Donatários (this system had already been successful in the settlement of the Portuguese colonies in Africa). Because of several problems (the most obvious being the lack of support from the Portuguese metropolis), most Captaincies failed. One of the few to prosper was the Captaincy of Pernambuco, which was assigned to Duarte Coelho Pereira (the man who founded Olinda and became famous for expressing his enchantment with the beauty of the place, giving the name to the city). Pernambuco prospered from the sugarcane industry (beet sugar was not industrially produced in Europe until the beginning of the 19th century). At the time, in Europe, sugarcane plantations could be grown only in Andalusia and the Algarve; in the 1420s, sugarcane was carried to the Canary Islands, Madeira and the Azores; the sugar from Brazil was very appreciated in Europe. Duarte Coelho found in Pernambuco plenty of fertile land and an excellent climate for the cultivation of cane; all he needed was labor to work in the crops and to keep the "engenhos" (rustic wooden machinery) moving. At first, the Portuguese tried to use the indigenous peoples of Brazil, but they soon realized that the indigenous culture was not compatible with the work in the engenhos. The solution was to import black slaves from Africa; from the 16th to the 19th century, Pernambuco received many slaves, making it one of the Brazilian States where black culture has the most visible traces (in dance, music, culinary, etc). Alone, this mixture of Portuguese, Indians and black slaves would be enough to make Recife one of the most culturally diverse cities in Brazil. The Dutch added to the mix. From 1580 to 1640, the kingdoms of Spain and Portugal were unified under the rule of the former. Spain was engaged in a war against the Netherlands, and determined that the Dutch, who were the main distributors of Brazilian sugar in Europe, would be prohibited from coming to Brazil. The Dutch decided to invade several sugar producing cities in Brazil, including Salvador and Natal. From 1630 to 1654, they took control of Recife and Olinda. During this period, Recife became one of the most cosmopolitan cities of the world. The first Jewish community and the first synagogue of the Americas was founded in the city.[1] The inhabitants fought on their own to expel the Dutch, being helped by the involvement of the Dutch in the First Anglo-Dutch War. This was known as the Insurreição Pernambucana (Pernambucan Insurrection). Most of the Jews fled to Amsterdam; others fled to North America, starting the first Jewish community of New Amsterdam (now known as New York City). During the 18th century, riots spread throughout the city, in which the rich farmers of Olinda and the traders from Recife clashed. Recife had a clear advantage in relation to Olinda: Olinda has no harbour, while Recife's Harbor is one of the larger ones on the Atlantic. Recife's victory asserted the supremacy of its bourgeoisie over the decadent sugar aristocrats of Olinda. This was a decisive factor for Recife's growth. Recife is now a large city whereas Olinda is a small historical town. GeographyClimateRecife has a typical tropical climate, with warm to hot temperatures and high relative humidity all throughout the year. However, these conditions are relieved by a near absence of extreme temperatures and pleasant trade winds blowing from the ocean. January is the warmest month, with mean maxima of 32°C and minima of 22°C and more sun; July experiences the coolest temperatures, with mean maxima of 27°C and minima of 17°C and more rain. VegetationRecife has a Tropical forest. Rainforests are characterized by high rainfall, with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 2,000 mm (about 78 inches or 2 meters) and 1700 mm (about 67 inches). The soil can be poor because high rainfall tends to leach out soluble nutrients. There are several common characteristics of tropical rainforest trees. Tropical rainforest species frequently possess one or more attributes not commonly seen in trees of higher latitudes or trees in drier conditions on the same latitude. Demographics
As of the census of 2006, the population was 1,515,052, 43% of population of Metropolitan Area. The population density was 64,78/km². Recife Ethnic GroupsAccording to the 2007 census, the racial makeup of the city was:
Recife Demographics History1. Amerindians, Brazil's indigenous population, came from human groups that migrated from Siberia across the Bering Strait around 9000 BC. 2. Portuguese and Dutch colonists and settlers, arriving from 1500 onward. 3. Diverse groups of immigrants from Europe arriving in Recife during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. And now, because of tourism. 4. African slaves brought to the country from 1530 until the end of the slave trade in 1850. CuriosityVehicles: 354.254 (jun./2006); Daily Newspapers: 4 (jun./2006); Foundation day: 12/03/1537. Recife is know as "Brazilian Venice" because of its numerous bridges and waterways. Medical poleThe Metropolitan area of Recife has the 2nd largest medical pole of Brazil, after São Paulo. The Real Hospital Português de Beneficência em Pernambuco, or Hospital Português (Portuguese Hospital) for short, is one of the most renowned hospitals in the country. Many people from neighboring states go to Recife for treatment, once it has the largest and best prepared medical facilities in the North-Northeast of Brazil. Recife has three universities of medicine, 2 public, Federal University of Pernambuco and University of Pernambuco; and 1 private, Escola Pernambucana de Medicina FBV/IMIP (Medical School of Pernambuco FBV/IMIP). Information Technology IndustryRecife has a modern Information Techonoly area (called "Digital Port" ("Porto Digital")), attracting investments. Advantage are of R$100.000.000 reais every year. It produces computer Chips and Programs, which are exported to Japan, China and other countries. Tourism and recreation
 
Among Recife's main tourist attractions are:
There are many beaches close to Recife, such as:
EconomyAlcohol in Pernambuco State (Clean Air)
Pernambuco State has the 5th highest sugarcane brazilian production.Brazil is by far the largest producer of alcohol fuel in the world, typically fermenting ethanol from sugarcane and sugar beets. The country produces a total of 18 billion liters annually, of which 3.5 billion are exported, 2 billion of them to the US. Alcohol cars debuted in the Brazilian market in 1978 and became quite popular because of heavy subsidy, but in the 80's prices rose and gasoline regained the leading market share. But from 2004 on, alcohol is rapidly rising its market share once again because of new technologies involving hybrid fuel car engines called "Flex" by all major car manufacturers (Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, Peugeot, Honda, Citroën, Fiat, etc.). "Flex" engines work with gasoline, alcohol or any mixture of both fuels. As of February 2007, approx. 80% of new vehicles sold in Brazil are hybrid fuel.Because of the Brazilian leading production and technology, many countries became very interested in importing alcohol fuel and adopting the "Flex" vehicle concept. In March 7th of 2007, US president George W. Bush visited the city of São Paulo to sign agreements with Brazilian president Lula on importing alcohol and its technology as an alternative fuel. EducationPortuguese language is the official language of schools. But English language and Spanish language are part of the official high school curriculum. There are also international schools, such as the American School of Recife Colleges and universitiesRecife is home to several higher education institutions, notably several public-owned universities:
CultureRecife is one of the most cultural cites in the northeast of Brazil, is the home of several artists, musicians and writers. It is also home to the frevo, a regional dance and music, typical in the carnival, and the Mangue Beat, a type of Brazilian rock with mixture of Maracatu, Ciranda, Rap and other music styles. During carnival, downtown Recife holds one of the most authentic and democratic celebrations: every year more than one million people opens the festivities of the Brazilian Carnival at the Galo da Madrugada. CinemaMultiplex Tacaruna, Multiplex Recife, CineBox Guararapes, Cinema do Parque and Cine São Luiz. TheatreTeatro Apolo, Teatro Hermilo Borba Filho, Teatro do Park, Teatro Santa Isabel. MuseumThe Museum of Pernambuco State - Museu do Estado de Pernambuco - Housed in a 19th century mansion in Recife, capital of Pernambuco state, the “Museu do Estado de Pernambuco - MEPE” dates back to 1929. From Masters who portrayed the Colonial period, as well as the Dutch invasion (1630) to 20th and 21st century, the Museum is comprised by over 12 thousand art pieces which invites the visitor to a journey into the local history. Periodically the museum hosts the “Salão de Arte Contemporânea de Pernambuco” when emerging artists are selected to represent the new run of local professionals who will help to mantain and shape the new profile of the local art scenery. Northeastern Man Museum The broad collection describes Pernambuco's culture starting from three main themes: the sugar-cane production cycle, the northeastern man’s life style and the folkloric and religious manifestations. Ricardo Brennand Institute Set up in a building that reproduces a medieval style, it has a collection of pieces from the Dutch domination period in Recife, as well as daggers and armors. Francisco Brennand Ceramic Shop Francisco Brennand, one of the most important names in contemporary sculptures in Brazil, displays his ceramic works in enormous open sheds, between monuments and gardens. It is set in an old brick factory that belonged to the sculptor’s family. Gilberto Freyre Foundation The farm house, from the 18th century, was Gilberto Freyre’s old residence. Artworks, arts and crafts, book collections and objects that belonged to the Pernambuco writer and sociologist are displayed there. Recife City Museum Set up in a room in Cinco Pontas Fort, it shows pictures, reproductions of old paintings and objects that describe Recife since the period of Dutch rule. Festa Junina (Saint John Festival)
Festa Junina was introduced to Northeastern Brazil by the Portuguese for whom St John´s day (also celebrated as Midsummer Day in several European countries), on the 24th of June, is one of the oldest and most popular celebrations of the year. Differently, of course, from what happens on the European Midsummer Day, the festivities in Brazil do not take place during the summer solstice but during the tropical winter solstice. The festivities traditionally begin after the 12th of June, on the eve of St Anthony´s day, and last until the 29th, which is Saint Peter´s day. During these fifteen days, there are bonfires, fireworks, and folk dancing in the streets. Once exclusively a rural festivity, today, in Brazil, it is largely a city festival during which people joyfully and theatrically mimic peasant stereotypes and cliches in a spirit of joke and good time. Typical refreshments and dishes are served. It should be noted that, like during Carnival, these festivities involve costumes-wearing (in this case, peasant costumes), dancing, heavy drinking, and visual spectacles (fireworks display and folk dancing). Like what happens on Midsummer and St John's Day in Europe, bonfires are a central part of these festivities in Brazil. Carnival
The four-day period before Lent leading up to Ash Wednesday is carnival time in Brazil. Rich and poor alike forget their cares as they party in the streets. Pernambuco has large Carnival celebrations, including the Frevo, typical Pernambuco music. Another famous carnaval music style from Pernambuco is Maracatu. The cities of Recife and Olinda hold the most authentic and democratic carnaval celebrations in Brazil. The largest carnaval in all of Brazil is Galo da Madrugada, which takes place in downtown Recife in the Saturday of carnaval. Another famous event is the "Noite dos Tambores Silenciosos". Carnaval Recife’s joyous Carnaval is nationally known and admired, attracting thousands of people every year. The party starts a week before the official date, with electric trios “shaking” the Boa Viagem district. On Friday, people take to the streets to enjoy themselves to the sound of frevo and to dance with maracatu, ciranda, caboclinhos, afoxé, reggae and manguebeat (cultural movement created in Recife during the 90s) groups. There are still many other entertainment poles spread out around the city, featuring local and national artists. One of the highlights is Saturday when more than one million people follow the Galo da Madrugada group. From Sunday to Monday, there is the Night of the Silent Drums, on the Pátio do Terço, where Maracatus honor slaves that died in prisons. InfrastructureInternational airportGuararapes International Airport. The new Recife/Guararapes – Gilberto Freyre International Airport has been open since July 2004 and has 52 thousand square meters of area. The largest airport in the North and Northeast regions, Guararapes had its capacity expanded from 1.5 million to 5 million passengers a year. There are currently 64 check-in counters, versus the former terminal’s 24. The shopping and leisure area was also totally remodeled, within the “Aeroshopping” concept, which transforms an airport into a center for business, comfort and high-quality products and services. The commercial spaces will be occupied in steps and the final total will be 142 shops. Since 2000, Recife has had the longest runway in the Northeast, at 3,305 meters. Its extension permits operations with jumbo jets, such as the Boeing 747-400, which can carry 290 passengers and 62 tons of cargo, with endurance to fly nonstop to anywhere in South and Central America, Africa and parts of Europe, the United States and Canada. Current domestic destinations include most major cities in Brazil, and there are also international flights to Paris, France and Lisbon, Portugal. PortSuape port. Suape serves ships 365 days a year without any restrictions in regards to tide schedules. To assist in the docking operation of the ships, the port offers a monitoring system and laser ship docking system that enables effective, secure control and upholds the same technical standards as the most important ports across the globe. The port moves over 5 million tons of cargo a year. The liquid granary (petroleum by-products, chemical products, alcohols, vegetable oils, etc.) constitutes more than 80% of the movement. The port can serve ships of up to 170,000 tpb and operational draft of 14.50m. With 27km² of backport, the internal and external ports offer the necessary conditions for serving large ships. The access canal has 5,000m of extension, 300m in width and 16.5m in length. Highways
MetroIn 2003, the metro was amplified, turned the second highest of Brazil, only after of São Paulo. Districts
Main Neighborhoods
SportsRecife provides visitors and residents with various sport activities. There are several soccer clubs based in Recife, such as Sport (1987 national soccer champion and 36 times state champion), Santa Cruz FC (24 times state champion), and Náutico (21 times state champion). CrimeRecife's reputation for safety is not one of the best. Its metropolitan area has a rate of 69.4 murders per 100,000 inhabitants, which is bigger than in much larger Brazilian cities, such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and more than twice the national average.[citation needed] As of the Ipea and Datasus of 2003, to 100.000 hab.
In Recife and Brazil, being young, male and Black means being a priority target of letal violence, mainly because of poverty, inequality, and the predominance of violent drug gangs in poor communities. According to Brazil's Constitution of 1988, racism is an unbailable crime and must be met with imprisonment. This is taken very seriously. Shark AttacksIn recent years, the number of shark attacks on the beaches of Recife has dramatically increased. "Shark Invasion." Hunter and Hunted. National Geographic. 2006. Surfing has recently been outlawed on the urban beaches (Pina, Boa Viagem, Piedade, Candeias) because of the risk the sport poses. References
Gallery
External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
Capitals of Brazilian states
Aracaju. Belo Horizonte. Belém. Boa Vista. Campo Grande. Cuiabá. Curitiba. Florianópolis. Fortaleza. Goiânia. João Pessoa. Macapá. Maceió. Manaus. Natal. Palmas. Porto Alegre. Porto Velho. Recife. Rio Branco. Rio de Janeiro. Salvador. São Paulo. São Luís. Teresina. Vitória Latest
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