Recife is the Venice of Brazil, a mixture of ancient churches, old buildings and skyscrapers that make up for an interesting combination that is Recife. Although considered as the fifth largest city in Brazil, Recife is a little less cosmopolitan and modern than Sao Paolo and other famous areas in Brazil. It was only recently that Recife was thrust into recognition. This made foreigners more of a novelty to the citizens.With Recife’s rising popularity and potential for investment, should foreigners and investors be welcomed with open arms, in order to promote Brazil’s economy and tourism as a source of business?
Having read the article, “And the World for All” by Cristovam Buarque, has made me wonder, are we as tourists and possible investors have the right to own land and live in a country that is in fact so far from ours? Are we then usurers of the beauty that Recife bestows upon its humble and wonderful citizens?
A Brief History
The city is the capital of the Brazilian state Pernambuco. Recife is surrounded by water, the Atlantic Ocean and several rivers. This is why bridges are built all over, to connect the whole city, and which is also why it is likened to Venice. It is regarded as the cultural capital of Brazil. A tropical haven with generally warm temperatures, Recife has an all year round temperature of 26 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius.
Recife’s language is predominantly Portuguese. This is probably due to the fact that it is the first location in Brazil to be settled by the Portuguese crown. Assigned to the Captaincy of Duarte Coelho Pereira, Recife flourished because of its sugarcane industry. Finding it difficult to introduce the craft of the sugarcane industry to native Brazilians, Pereira imported slaves from Africa and India. The mixture of the Indian, African and Portuguese people has made Recife such a culturally diverse city, that the evidences are found in their music, food, and dancing.
Recife first held the world’s attention for being a “Digital Port” likened the San Francisco of Brazil. Investments amounted up to 100,000,000 in dollars. This is with companies, tapping into cheap lands in order to build on. Cheap labor is also propagated for computer parts manufacturing.
Introducing Recife
The City of Recife is situated at the back of a lengthy and protective coastal reef. It was named Recife meaning “reef”. Trade is the primary source of income, culture and energy in Recife because it is a major city port. The city itself is quilted by a mixture of the old and the new. If you allow chance to give you an unforgettable discovery, you will find out why there is so much hype about this Brazilian city which has often been compared to Venice due to its numerous bridges and waterways.
A great choice for Britons looking to buy a home in Recife is the luxury district of Boa Viagem. Boa Viagem is a waterfront locale which possesses the city’s finest restaurants and beaches right at the center of the city. Recife’s nightlife is concentrated here and in Gracas.
If you want to explore the more historical parts of Recife, begin at Praca da Republica and visit the Teatro Santa Isabel, which is a notable 19th century theatre. From there go on onto the Catedral de Sao Pedro dos Clerigos, and then pass through the vividly colored Mercado do Sao Jose and finish up your walking tour of the city by going to Basilica de NS da Penha.
The customary cultural activities and distinctive cultural roots of Recife should not be neglected. If you love culture, dancing, music, dance, sculpture, art, painting, folk arts and crafts then Recife is the perfect place for you. Recife is such a charming city, with extremely hospitable people who seem to welcome tourists with open arms.
Recife’s Investing Pull
Why invest in Recife? Most vacation properties in the south of France, in Spain and the Mediterranean region have reached its market peak. Properties are now expensive and a decent place will cost around 200,000 plus pounds. Other parts in Brazil are also already inundated with investors and tourists. Recife is an ingénue; £40,000 will buy you a nice flat in a high rise, and in a decent community. Villas are priced beginning at £150,000.
Recife is a tropical paradise that’s sunny 300 days in a year. Real Estate prices are growing leaps and bounds at around 10- 15% a year (in pounds). Recife has the same profit potentials as Spain 10 years ago.
Having such a relatively young tourism industry and real estate commerce is working to Recife’s advantage. Prices have not yet skyrocketed and people are in awe of the foreigners coming in.
Answers to the Ultimate Question
So, should Brazil share the sensation that is Recife? Will Recife loose its cultural heritage upon the injection of foreign people? The answer depends upon whose eyes you are to look into.
If you can afford to move to Recife and invest on a property to secure your future, then why not buy one? Living in a country not your own entails responsibilities. A person should know his boundaries and should never change traditions. One should also respect the culture of the country that you are about to call your home.
There are a lot of advantages in moving to Recife or even by simply taking a vacation in the city. You can also purchase a flat for investment purposes, but there are disadvantages as well. The differences in cultures and beliefs are one. The 8 hour flight is another. Other than that, everything is worth it! A quiet day in the beach, sun bathing, the great food, the beautiful historical sites, the lovely museum, and the enchanting carnival makes Recife a gem.
So, what are you waiting for? Take a trip to Recife and see for yourself how beautiful the city is, and maybe you will end up owning a flat, a villa, or two and even yield some profit while enjoying your holiday.
We are looking to move to Recife which seems an interesting city with plenty of investment opportunities.
However, one element you don’t bring up in your text is the daily violence and the organized crime ??
Am just wondering if Recife is as violent as its reputation?
Thanks for your feedback
Comment by Warrant — January 4, 2010 @ 1:04 pm