Everyone can participate and there is little of the high-priced status sought by spectators vying for the best seats. Everyone is interested in having a good time by participating, and the dancing is as impressive as anywhere in Brazil.

The Recife Carnival's most famous tradition takes place early Saturday morning, when the Galo da Madrugada host a party in downtown Recife, attracting as many as 1.5 million costumed partiers to toast the crack of dawn.

There will be hundreds of groups performing, ten sets of shows running more than12 hours/day with a packed program of music and dance performances, all set against the beauty of Olinda and organized for the comfort and security of its participants. The old city is covered with decorations: ribbons, streamers and colored lanterns are hung everywhere, banners are prominent throughout the streets and colored lighting is set up in all the squares.

In Recife the main events are concentrated in Santo Antonio and Boa Vista. At night, activities center around the grandstands on Avenida Dantas Barreto, where the blocos parade for the judges.