Northeastern Culture: Forró, Repente & Cordel Literature
Natal is in the heart of Brazil's Northeast — the region with the richest folk culture, forró music tradition, cordel literature, and repente improvised poetry that make it distinct from the rest of the country
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Forró dance tradition
Forró — the northeastern dance to accordion, zabumba drum and triangle — is danced in clubs and at festivals throughout Natal; the intimate partner dance with its syncopated rhythm is Brazil's most social dance form
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Luiz Gonzaga: King of Forró
Pernambucano Luiz Gonzaga – 'the king of forró' – created the musical style that defined northeastern Brazil; his songs about the sertão drought, migration and homesickness are the region's soundtrack
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Repente: Improvised Poetry
Northeast repentista poets improvise lyrics in real time into complex rhyme schemes; their verbal duels (cantoria) are held at fairs and town events throughout Rio Grande do Norte
- 4
Cordel Literature Market
The cordel—illustrated pamphlets of woodblock-printed literature sold in markets since colonial times—is the Northeast's popular literary tradition; the stories of cangaceiros, saints and current events in verse
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June Festivals (Festas Juninas)
The June festivals of São João, São Pedro and Santo Antônio – with quadrilha folk dancing, forró and food from the festas tradition – are the Northeast's most important cultural celebrations
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Natal Carnatal Festival
The Carnaval of Natal – held in December as an off-season carnival – features axé music, frevo and forró on massive blocks; the off-season timing and beach setting make it a major event