Recife Cultural Guide: Alcione, Xande de Pilares, and More

As January draws to a close, the cultural landscape of Recife remains vibrant and active. The city's agenda is packed with a diverse array of events, from major musical performances to immersive art exhibitions and unique cultural festivals.

Highlights of the week include concerts by samba icons Alcione and Xande de Pilares, a special show by former RBD member Christian Chávez, and the continuation of the Janet de Grandes Espetáculos festival. For those seeking different experiences, options range from a cosmic journey at the planetarium to a walking tour of a celebrated film's locations.

The weekend's musical lineup is anchored by the Verão Parador festival, which presents a celebration of Brazilian popular music. On Sunday, January 25, at 4:00 PM, the event will feature performances by two of the nation's most beloved samba artists, Alcione and Xande de Pilares. Both singers will perform repertoires filled with classic hits and more recent songs from their celebrated careers.

Other notable performances include:

• Mahmundi presents a special show on Saturday, January 24, at 6:00 PM at Estelita Bar. The performance marks the launch of her new album, Bem Vindos de Volta, blending new tracks with remixes of her known hits.
• Former RBD member Christian Chávez will perform on Wednesday, January 28, at 9:00 PM at the Teatro RioMar. His Para Siempre Tour celebrates his artistic journey, featuring songs from his time in the iconic group and his solo career.
• The musical Gênio e o mundo ideal das princesas takes the stage on Saturday, January 24, at 4:30 PM at the Teatro Luiz Mendonça, telling the story of seven classic princesses through music and magic.

For a unique cultural experience, the Planetário Digital offers a 30-minute immersive journey titled Da Terra ao Universo. The show explores humanity's relationship with the cosmos, from Greek myths to modern astronomical discoveries, projecting the Solar System, star births, and galactic expanses. Sessions are held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, with the audience seated on EVA mats on the floor.

Cinema enthusiasts can join a guided walking tour through the Centro do Recife, visiting locations used in the filming of Kleber Mendonça Filho's acclaimed movie, O Agente Secreto. The tour, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, at 8:30 AM, provides insights into the film, which has won awards at Cannes, the Critics Choice Awards, and the Golden Globes.

The 32nd edition of the Janeiro de Grandes Espetáculos (JGE) is a central pillar of the region's cultural calendar, running until February 4. With the theme Da lama ao palco, the festival pays homage to Chico Science, the leader of the Manguebeat movement, who would have turned 60 in 2026.

The festival's extensive program features over 100 presentations, including:

• Theater for adults and children
• Music and dance performances
• Circus acts

Events are distributed across five cities: Recife, Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Camaragibe, Goiana, and Limoeiro. Tickets range from R$ 10 to R$ 140 and are available for purchase online.

Recife's galleries are hosting a rich variety of exhibitions. The Caixa Cultural is the venue for two significant shows: Saudades no varal, an inaugural exhibition by Rômulo Jackson featuring objects and images that transform into visual poetry, and the IV Salão Internacional de Humor Gráfico de Pernambuco. The latter presents 120 works by cartoonists from 21 countries, exploring the theme Planeta de Todos and reflecting on environmental issues.

Other noteworthy exhibitions include:

• Frevo pra Vestir at Paço do Frevo, which delves into the visual imagination of frevo's attire and accessories.
• O Sertão: somos muitos at Galeria Marco Zero, the first solo show in Recife by Bahian artist Juraci Doréa.
• A Coisa Ficou Preta at Engenho Massangana, a visual art exhibition by Gleyson Borges focusing on blackness, memory, and representation.
• Entre continentes: artes e africanidades at the Museu de Artes Afro-Brasil Rolando Toro, showcasing 44 masks, sculptures, and panels that connect African cultures with global descendants.

The cultural agenda for late January in Recife and the surrounding region offers a compelling mix of entertainment and enrichment. From the rhythmic beats of samba and the nostalgic melodies of pop to the profound narratives of visual arts, there is an event to suit every taste.

With the Janet de Grandes Espetáculos continuing into early February and numerous exhibitions running for weeks, the city's artistic pulse remains strong. This period is a testament to the region's dynamic cultural scene, providing both residents and visitors with ample opportunities to engage with local and international artistry.