Salvador, Bahia is quickly establishing itself as an emerging tourist destination in Brazil. Here are the reasons why you should check out this little gem in Northeastern Brazil. And be sure to take the Salvador Bahia Travel Guide and Offline City Map with you.
Afro-Brazilian Music and Culture
More than 3 quarters of Salvador’s population are of African descent and it shows in the city’s rich African culture, energetic celebrations, and plain but undeniably beautiful architecture. Salvador’s Carnaval (Carnival of Salvador), a week-long event, is your best bet in immersing yourself in Afro-Brazilian music. The event involves seven days and nights of Afrocentric celebrations and street parties. You can sing and dance throughout the night.
Afro-Brazilian History
Salvador is an outstanding historic center when it comes to learning about the country’s African and Islamic heritage. The city has its own trinity of learning centers namely; the Afro-Brazilian Museum, the Salvador Mosque, and the Center of African-Oriental Studies (CEAO). All three are accessible to the public and contain detailed accounts of the country’s African heritage especially the 19th century slave revolts that engulfed Bahia. The city is also home to several gold-laden churches built by African slaves in the 17th and 18th century.
Beaches and Tourist Attractions
The Pelourinho historic center is the most popular tourist attraction in Salvador. It houses the city’s famous Elevador Lacerda (Elevator to Upper Town) as well as a plethora of shops and restaurants. Pelourinho is also known as the setting of Michael Jackson’s ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ music video epic. Salvador also has a majestic coastline that houses several amazing beaches the most popular of which is the Praia do Farol da Barra. It is said to be the perfect beach for couples thanks to the romantic mood created by its famous lighthouse. Any of the various restaurants near the lighthouse can be the perfect venue for an unforgettable date.
Hair and Fashion
Salvador’s Afro-Brazilians have taken celebrating their natural hair and blackness as their primary means of denouncing Brazil’s long history of anti-black racism. All Afro-Brazilians in the city prefer keeping their hair natural and wearing African fashion.
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