Ponte Duarte Coelho, Road bridge in Recife, Brazil
Ponte Duarte Coelho is a road bridge connecting the neighborhoods of Boa Vista and Santo Antonio across the Capibaribe River in downtown Recife. It links two major avenues, the Avenida Conde da Boa Vista and Avenida Guararapes, and handles a significant flow of daily traffic between these districts.
The structure was built in 1868 as a metal railway bridge by the Brazilian Company Limited. After reconstruction in 1935, it reopened for vehicle traffic in 1943.
The bridge becomes the central gathering point during Carnival when the massive rooster sculpture of the Galo da Madrugada parade is displayed there. This annual celebration has made the location a symbol of local traditions and community spirit in the city.
The bridge is open at all times as a main traffic artery in the city. It is best visited during Carnival season to experience the festive atmosphere, though crowds can be quite large during this period.
The original structure earned the nickname Maxambomba Bridge, derived from the English term 'machine pump' referring to the locomotives that once crossed it. This local name has largely faded from memory but reflects the bridge's railway heritage.
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