The traditional Pernambuco block Galo da Madrugada kicked off the Carnival circuit in Ibirapuera, São Paulo, featuring performances of frevo and maracatu.
On Tuesday, February 17, the renowned Pernambuco block Galo da Madrugada launched the Carnival festivities in Ibirapuera, a prominent park in São Paulo's South Zone. The event featured energetic performances by groups specializing in frevo and maracatu, both traditional styles of music and dance from the Brazilian Northeast. The Frevo no Planeta Galo group captivated audiences with classic songs such as "Voltei Recife" and "Tropicana," played by a vibrant brass band and percussion ensemble.
Spectators enjoyed an immersive cultural experience as they witnessed the Bloco de Pedra's powerful maracatu chants, accompanied by the percussive rhythms from numerous drummers. Attendees included many Northeasterners living in São Paulo, who joined to celebrate their rich cultural heritage. One such attendee, Ana Gabriela Silva de Lima, a data scientist originally from Recife, shared her joy of reconnecting with her roots through the event, describing it as a slice of Pernambuco within the city.
The Galo da Madrugada event not only highlights the vibrant cultural mosaic of São Paulo but also serves as a significant celebration of regional identity for those far from home. The performance preserved the essence of a traditional Carnival, fostering community ties and allowing participants and spectators to revel in their shared history and musical legacies against a backdrop of unity and festivity.
