Maracatu is a traditional Afro-Brazilian music and dance genre from the Northeast characterized by drumming singing and colorful parades.

Key Locations:

• Recife: The heart of Maracatu culture and festivals.
• Olinda: A nearby city with strong Maracatu traditions.

Maracatu is a vibrant and deeply rooted cultural tradition in Brazil, with profound spiritual significance. Originating in the northeastern region, Maracatu is a ceremonial procession that blends African, indigenous, and European influences, reflecting the diverse heritage of the Brazilian people. At its core, Maracatu is a celebration of the divine, with intricate rhythms, elaborate costumes, and symbolic elements that pay homage to the Orixás, the deities of the Afro-Brazilian Candomblé religion. The procession, led by a “Rei” (King) and “Rainha” (Queen), is a powerful expression of community, spirituality, and the enduring strength of cultural traditions in the face of adversity. Through Maracatu, the people of Brazil honor their ancestral roots and the sacred connections that bind them to the natural and supernatural worlds.