Recife Brazil's Soccer Cities

The coastal metropolis that draws you to the north-east of Brazil.

The Arena Pernambuco, as with many of the World Cup stadia,

the wisdom of building such an expensive venue has been questioned.

When Brazilians talk about Recife,

they speak of its rivers and bridges.

Everything here brims with colour.

Beyond the conventional,

this is a curious place.

Some find it outrageous, others genius.

These pieces of art have teased minds for over 60 years.

The work of one of Recife's most creative sons.

This warehouse and its grounds were once in ruins.

It was moulded into a garden of the sensual and mythological

by the sculptor Francisco Brennand.

TRANSLATOR: This was the very spot

where we fought the Dutch invaders.

For Brazilians, it is like sacred land.

In my work, I speak about the great enigma of reproduction.

If we were able to comprehend it,

we would be able to solve the very mystery of the universe.

-TRANSLATOR:

-You have to visit the beaches,

but you shouldn't go over the coral reef.

Otherwise, the sharks will get you.

These aren't the safest waters, but people still have fun.

On Boa Viagem, beach lovers combine Brazil's two most popular sports

to give you "futevolei".

In the land of football and volleyball champions,

this evolution was inevitable.

However, the TV shadow isn't shaped by sports but soap stars.

"Telenovelas," as we call them, are a national obsession.

TRANSLATOR: Why do people watch soap operas?

Because they watch it and see themselves in the characters.

Every Brazilian carnival has its own character.

Seismic sounds of Recife

have triggered hundreds of rhythms to dance to.

Frevo dancers keep on their toes like ballerinas on hot coals.

-TRANSLATOR:

-There was prejudice against Frevo

because it was invented by former black slaves

celebrating their freedom.

But now, it's a dance that brings all races together.

Frevo is the soul of Recife's carnival.

If there's no Frevo, there's no carnival.

The innovative spirits of the people has allowed Recife to blossom.

Despite life's setbacks, it has given Brazil

some of its most influential artists, writers, and musicians.

When you are here, you believe there is more to come.