Formed from a friendly and hospitable people, a mixture of negroes, Europeans and Indians, the Pernambucan population is comprised of 7.4 million inhabitants. This mixture of the races has resulted in a very rich culture, where Rock and Marcatu coexist in harmony with the Frevo and Manguebeat.

During the entire time, the tourist is moved by the contagious sounds, rhythms, music, and dances, along with the traditions of a people connected with its origins, and with great love for Pernambuco. During Carnaval, the Maracatus, Caboclinhos and attendees in general invade the inclined streets of Olinda. During Easter Week, Nova Jerusalem (located in the city of Brejo da Madre de Deus, 80 miles from Recife) is transformed for the presentation of The Passion of Christ. It is the largest open-air theater in the world.

June is time for the rural areas to receive thousand of tourists. Bond fires - some gigantic - corn based foods and dancing groups give the city of Caruaru (Foothill region, 72 miles from the Capital) the title of the largest San Juan in Brazil. At Christmas time, the colors and pastoral traditions commemorate the birth of Jesus. At the Trinidade Ranch, in the neighborhood of Casa Amarela in Recife, popular festivals and Christmas presentations are open to the public, and free of charge.

The most populated city is the Capital, Recife, followed by Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Olinda (both belong to the Recife Metropolitan Region) and Caruaru, in the foothills of Pernambuco. The indigenous population inhabiting the State amounts to little more than 16 thousand individuals, spread among various Pernambuco municipalities such as Águas Belas, Pesqueira, Buíque, Floresta and Salgueiro.