Abreu e Lima

Abreu e Lima (Recifense portuguese pronunciation: [ɐˈbɾew i ˈlimɐ]) is a Brazilian municipality in the state of Pernambuco. It is located in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, also known as Greater Recife. Abreu e Lima covers 126.193 km2 (48.723 mi2), and has a population of 98,462 with a population density of 780 inhabitants per square kilometer (2022 Census). 75% of the area of the municipality is rural, but only 8% of the population lives outside of the urban center. The city was named in honor of José Inácio de Abreu e Lima (1794-1869), also known as "Inácio Pernambucano". Abreu e Lima participated in battles in Pernambuco and fought alongside Simón Bolivar in the wars of independence of Venezuela and Colombia. Folklore is one of Abreu e Lima's main attractions. Visitors can enjoy the energetic drum rhythms of Maracatu dance performance, as well as Ciranda dance groups such as the one led by Dona Odete do Coco. The city's main festival is the Emancipation Festival, every May 14. Over 70 percent of Abreu e Lima's territory is covered by unspoilt Atlantic Forest and environmental reserves, such as those of São Bento and Caetés. On March 31, 1983, the city held the first public event of Diretas Já, a popular movement against the military dictatorship.