OLINDA

After seven years of absence, the MIMO Festival returns to the city where it was born in 2004. Olinda, with its colonial architecture, historic churches, and charming hills, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982 and was named the Brazilian Capital of Culture in 2006. A true temple of art, memory, and beauty.

Olinda will once again be the birthplace of MIMO, which over time has transformed into the largest free music festival in Brazil. Initially called the Mostra Internacional de Música em Olinda (International Music Show in Olinda), it soon became MIMO, winning over the local community and an ever-growing audience. The festival is renowned for its plural, inclusive, and innovative programming, featuring performances that span a variety of musical genres and talents from all over the world, as well as the respectful occupation of historic spaces such as churches, museums, and plazas, all within walking distance of each other. And, above all, for its accessible and democratic nature, offering all of its programming completely free, allowing music and culture to reach everyone, without barriers.

Over the years, MIMO Olinda has hosted major names in Brazilian and international music, such as Egberto Gismonti, Nelson Freire, Hamilton de Holanda, Didier Lockwood, Chick Corea, Gotan Project, Buena Vista Social Club, Naná Vasconcelos, Chucho Valdés, Maria João Pires, Antonio Meneses, Philip Glass, Ibrahim Maalouf, Bassekou Kouyaté, Jards Macalé, McCoy Tyner, Amaro Freitas, Mário Laginha, Nouvelle Vague, Richard Galliano, Orquestra de Câmara de Toulouse, Trilok Gurtu, Emir Kusturica, as well as major orchestras such as Petrobras Sinfônica, Pró-Arte, and Sinfônica do Recife, and renowned conductors like Isaac Karabtchevsky and Silvio Barbato.

In this vibrant return, MIMO brings more than 40 activities, including concerts, performances, film screenings, workshops, masterclasses, classes, lectures, and poetry events. One of the special attractions will be the Jazz in Marciac program, one of the world’s largest jazz festivals, based in France. The partnership between the two festivals will promote an unprecedented artistic collaboration: MIMO will be present at JIM 2025 with performances by prominent Brazilian artists, and in turn, Jazz in Marciac will bring French musical artists to Olinda, further strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries. This meeting is part of the Brazil-France Season 2025, supported by both the Brazilian and French governments.

This return home is eagerly awaited and promises to be an unforgettable edition, one that will be etched in the memories and hearts of all who attend.

More than just a festival, MIMO is a meeting point of cultures, generations and ideas, turning the city into a living stage that celebrates cultural diversity and creativity in all its forms.

A new, unforgettable edition of MIMO Festival is just around the corner — free, vibrant and transformative. A celebration of music, culture and sharing that promises to leave lasting memories for all.