Frevo Intangible Cultural Heritage

Congratulations to FREVO for its recent recognition as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.

Frevo is a wide range of musical and artistic styles originating from Recife, Pernambuco in Brazil, all of which are traditionally associated with Brazilian Carnival.The word frevo is said to come from frever, a misspeaking of the Portuguese word ferver (to boil). It is said that the sound of the frevo will make listeners and dancers to feel as they are boiling on the ground. The word frevo is normally used interchangeably either to mean the frevo music or the frevo dance.

Therefore Frevo is a unique Brazilian artistic expression. It represents the wealth of creativity and culture that arises from a combination of music, dance, capoeira and crafts, among others, demonstrating the creative talent of its practitioners.

The vigorosity arises from the fusion of various musical styles, such as the marcha, the quadrilha, the polca and the classical repertoire. The steps that follow the rhythm have their origins in the talent and agility of capoeira. Through improvisation, the dancers jump and move to the sound of metal bands and orchestras. There is a close relationship to religious belief and its symbolic universe, a.o. through the use of colors and religious ornaments.