Boi da Macuca launches a 2026 national tour and arrives in Rio with a free Praça Mauá parade, bringing a rare full-scale frevo procession.
Pernambuco’s street Carnaval reaches Brazil’s Southeast in 2026 through the Boi da Macuca national tour. The group will stage free performances in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. In addition, the project brings a frevo street parade on a scale rarely seen outside its home state.
Founded in 1989 in rural Correntes, in Pernambuco’s agreste region, Boi da Macuca has built more than 35 years of work. The group shaped its own language by combining boi traditions, frevo, and forró. In this way, it turns urban space into a collective celebration.
A full-format frevo parade
The tour aims to showcase frevo in its complete street-organization format. The procession includes traditional characters and floats, keeping its aesthetic, sonic, and symbolic power. However, projects of this scale remain rare nationwide.
Typically, frevo tours outside Pernambuco rely on stage shows or reduced versions of what happens in the streets. The text points to high logistical costs as a key barrier. Therefore, bringing a large formation on the road becomes an exceptional event.
Historic reference and cultural exchange
Within this context, the tour aligns with an uncommon historical tradition. The text cites the 1950s trip by Clube Misto Vassourinhas do Recife to Rio de Janeiro and Salvador as a symbolic reference. Thus, the initiative reinforces frevo’s reach beyond Pernambuco.
To deliver the full experience, Macuca travels with the giant boi float, banner, opening wing, clarions, and the Maestro Oséas Frevo Orchestra in full formation. The group totals more than 70 participants, including musicians and characters. In this manner, the parade becomes a cultural exchange among Pernambucans, Cariocas, Paulistas, and revelers from across Brazil.
Repertoire and invitation to the streets
The procession delivers frevo at full intensity with a brass orchestra. The repertoire includes traditional frevos, original arrangements, and frevo versions of songs from the broader Northeastern songbook. Next, the result is a high-energy visual and sonic experience.
The group sums it up by saying its suitcase is “full of frevo.” In addition, the invitation is direct: get your legs ready, wear red, blue, and yellow, and follow the Caminho do Boi. Thus, the parade emphasizes spontaneous public participation.
Recognition and year-round activity
Boi da Macuca has been recognized as a Cultural Point since 2005 by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture. It was also declared an Intangible Heritage of the municipality of Correntes in 2021. In addition, it has won awards such as Culturas Populares (2017) and Fundaj’s Creative Economy Prize (2020).
In Olinda’s Carnaval, its parade ranks among the city’s largest, drawing crowds above 20,000 people. The national circulation reinforces the group’s push to value frevo as street music and living heritage. In this way, the tour challenges Carnaval seasonality and keeps orchestras active throughout the year.
At the same time, the tour expands visibility for Pernambuco’s boi tradition. The text says the manifestation still receives limited institutional recognition, despite its importance in the Northeast. Finally, the project aims to offer a real Pernambuco street Carnaval experience beyond its original territory.
The project is funded by Funcultura and Pernambuco’s Aldir Blanc National Policy. It is also supported by Pernambuco’s state government through the Secretary of Culture, and by Brazil’s Ministry of Culture. Therefore, the initiative combines public cultural funding with broader circulation.
Service
Rio de Janeiro
24.01
Museu do Amanhã – Praça Mauá, 1 – Centro, Rio de Janeiro
Gathering time: 2:00 pm