Olindais an historic city in theBrazilianstateofPernambuco, located on the country's northeasternAtlantic Oceancoast, just north ofRecifeand south ofPaulista. The cityfeatures a number of major tourist attractions, such as a historic downtown area (World Heritage Site), churches, and theCarnivalof Olinda, a popular street party, very similar to traditional Portuguese carnivals, with the addition of African influenced dances. Unlike inRio de JaneiroandSalvador, in Olinda, admission to Carnival is free. All the festivities are celebrated on the streets, and there are no bleachers or roping. There are hundreds of small musical groups (sometimes featuring a single performer) in many genres.
Many bars, restaurants, artist and craftspeople studios add charm to the old-town setting.