Christmas in Recife is a diversified party. Throughout the month of December, one of the main avenues of Recife Antigo, Rio Branco, is transformed to receive presentations that represent the best of our popular culture within the Christmas Season. The people fron Recife and visitors can see presentations of traditional groups, among Pastoris – sacred and profane -, Reisados, Cavalo Marinho, Boi and Ciranda (brazilian northeastern popular dance and games). The Christmas Season is closed on January 6, with the Burning of Christmas Manger. The festival marks the Day of Epiphany and takes place in the Patio de São Pedro, downtown Recife.

-Baile do Menino Deus – The popular manifestations of the Brazilian Northeast and the beauty of its art are united in one of the most symbolic Brazilian theatrical spectacles: Baile do Menino Deus – A Christmas Play. Presented from December 23rd to 25th, in Marco Zero Square, Recife neighborhood, the play brings together dances, songs and characters typical of Brazilian Northeastern culture in an operetta that celebrates the renewal of hope through birth. The play, written 33 years ago by Ronaldo Correia de Brito and Assis Lima, tells the story of the two Matthews (mischievous characters of the Cavalo Marinho and Bumba Meu Boi) that are looking for the house where Joseph, Mary and the newborn Jesus are, to hold a party in front of it. The soundtrack of the show – composed by Antônio Madureira and performed live by an orchestra, gathers songs inspired by popular jokes and Brazilian Northeastern rhythms.