Preparations for the 2025 Galo da Madrugada Carnival are well underway, with the first glimpses of this year's theme, "Galo Cidadão Ecológico," taking shape at Ponte Duarte Coelho. The centerpiece will soar to 32 meters tall, weighing eight tons, and it is set to be entirely made from 100% recyclable materials.
Over 20,000 PET bottles will provide texture and visual effects, complemented by reused tarps arranged to mirror the colors of the Pernambuco flag. The addition of recycled tires transformed leads to the creation of unique sandals adorning the large structure, reflecting this year’s emphasis on environmental sustainability.
According to Sérgio Barbosa, the ecodesign behind the Galo, this year's theme was driven by the necessity to embrace recycling. "O Galo esse ano é ecológico então a gente precisou usar garrafas plástica, CDs, pneus e muitos materiais que a gente nem consegue comprar. E a ideia esse ano é a questão da reciclagem, por isso a importância do pessoal do Pro-Recife, que vinha fazendo todo esse trabalho junto aos catadores, com o resgate desses materiais recicláveis," Barbosa explained. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also raises awareness about environmental issues among the thousands who will attend the event.
Festivities will kick off with the Galo being erected on February 26, followed by performances from local artists and cultural bands. The official opening of the Recife Carnival will happen the next day, February 27, at the landmark Marco Zero. Carnival enthusiasts can expect to see the Galo parade through the streets on March 1, continuing until March 9 when the structure will remain on display.
While preparations for the Galo da Madrugada ramp up, challenges loom over the public transport infrastructure. For the first time, parts of the Metrô do Recife will be partially closed during the famed parade, drastically affecting the travel options for thousands of residents, particularly those from the southern areas of the metropolitan region. This development has resulted from longstanding neglect of public transport infrastructure and will force attendees to rely on buses instead.
The closure will impact about 30,000 people expected to use the South Line, which remains plagued by operational challenges tied to underfunding
Marcela Campos, superintendente of the metro system, emphasized the difficulty of this decision but underscored the necessity of prioritizing operational efficiency during peak demand times. "Foi uma decisão muito difícil, mas tivemos que optar pelo fechamento da Linha Sul para canalizar toda a energia operacional das nossas equipes para a Linha Centro. [...] Não tínhamos outra opção," Campos stated during a press conference. With this focus on the Centre Line, only 15 trains will operate, ensuring efficient transit at stations like Recife, Joana Bezerra, and Afogados.
Transport services will function from 5 am until 11 pm, with affected stations adapting to manage the influx of passengers. The changes also mean other stations along the Centre Line will have limited operations, only allowing disembarkation post-1 pm on parade day.
Even with these challenges, the Galo da Madrugada's upcoming events signal the resilience and festive spirit of Recife's community. The blending of recycling initiatives with the vibrant carnival celebrations showcases how local culture can adapt and evolve, making room for sustainable practices amid festive traditions.
Through creative efforts and strategic planning, this year’s Galo da Madrugada not only promises exuberant celebrations but also looks toward building environmentally responsible community engagement. Carnival-goers and locals alike will both enjoy the spectacles and contemplate their contributions to preserving cultural legacy and environmental stewardship within the city's spirited celebrations.