Church of Our Lady of the Rosary, Recife

The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary developed between 1630 and 1667, with construction carried out mainly from 1662 to 1667 by the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men. This brotherhood, formed by enslaved and freed Africans and their descendants, created a place for worship, mutual aid, and social support within colonial society. The church preserves the history of this community and its efforts to establish an independent religious space.

The structure has a Baroque foundation, later modified in the late 18th century with Rococó and Neoclassical elements. Its façade is simple, with a central entrance and a side bell tower. Inside, carved wooden altarpieces, gilded surfaces, and painted panels create a detailed interior. A ceiling painting shows the Virgin Mary with dark-skinned cherubs, and side altars honor Saint Benedict, Saint Ephigenia, and Saint Balthazar.

The church remains closely tied to traditions shaped by its members. Processions and symbolic coronations of Congo kings influenced cultural expressions that later developed into maracatu. These practices continue in adapted forms, linking religious life with music and performance. The building is still in use, with regular services and celebrations that maintain its historical role.