Giant rooster heralds upcoming Carnival in Pernambuco
The symbol of the traditional street parade Galo da Madrugada (“Early-Morning Rooster”), a humongous rooster now also marks the opening of Carnival in Recife, state capital of Pernambuco. The sculpture is being erected this Wednesday (Feb. 26) as a reminder to revelers that festivities begin the next day.
This year’s rooster—named the Ecological Citizen Rooster of Carnival—is 32 meters tall, weighs eight tons, and is entirely made of recycled material.
The sculpture began to be assembled last Saturday. Parts made from PET bottles, PVC pipes, tires, tarpaulins and other sustainable materials are used to cover the framework.
Regarded as the world’s largest Carnival street parade, the Galo da Madrugada marches on the first Saturday of Carnival. This year, the party will take place on March 1, with revelers gathering as early as 7 am.
The Galo da Madrugada’s will feature 30 floats, with local artists as well as nationally known names, not to mention traditional frevo orchestras. The parade will also display giant puppets—traditional symbols of Pernambuco’s Carnival.
Folk tradition
The 2025 festival in the Northeastern state will pay homage to local manifestations—the Caretas of Triunfo, known for their enigmatic masks; the Caiporas of Pesqueira, symbolic characters that evoke myths and indigenous stories; and the traditional Bacalhau do Batata parade, which brings cheer to the streets of the neighboring and historic city of Olinda on Ash Wednesday.
