Holiday in Salvador

About Salvador

Salvador da Bahia is the capital of the state of Bahia and was the first capital of Brazil from 1549 to 1763. The city is located on a dramatic cliff overlooking the All Saints Bay (Baia de Todos os Santos) and is the heart of Afro-Brazilian culture — over 80% of the population is of African descent. Pelourinho, the historic old town and UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, is a colorful ensemble of colonial buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries: pastel-colored facades, baroque churches, and cobblestone streets create the backdrop for ubiquitous drum rhythms and Capoeira performances. Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines dance, acrobatics, and music, was developed in Salvador by enslaved Africans and is now recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In Pelourinho, one can observe daily Rodas (Capoeira circles) or participate in workshops. Candomblé, the Afro-Brazilian religion with West African roots, is omnipresent in Salvador: offerings to Iemanja (goddess of the sea) on the beaches, white-clad Baianas, and public ceremonies are part of everyday life. The Carnival of Salvador is the largest street carnival in the world (Guinness Book): for over 6 days, Trio Eletricos (huge mobile stages) parade through the streets, accompanied by millions of dancers. Axe music, samba-reggae, and blocos (groups) make Salvador's carnival unique and wilder than that in Rio. The Elevador Lacerda, an Art Deco elevator from 1873, connects the upper city with the lower city in 30 seconds and offers a spectacular view over the bay.