Paço do Frevo

A small but well-curated museum dedicated to frevo — the breakneck dance and brass-band tradition that anchors the Recife carnival. Galleries trace the origins of the music in late 19th-century military bands and the development of the dance among capoeira-influenced street performers.

The building hosts free dance classes most evenings and a regular programme of concerts. Even a quick visit gives essential context for the carnival, and the rooftop has one of the best views in Recife Antigo.

things to do sight museum recife antigo
A story
Frevo, the high-velocity dance and brass music born in the Pernambuco workshops of the early 20th century, is on the UNESCO intangible heritage list. The museum was opened in 2014 to give it a permanent home in a restored colonial building on the cobbles of Praça do Arsenal.