Experiencing the Culture
From Capoeira, to Olodum and Candomblé, get inspired about what makes Salvador Brazil's capital of joy. The traditions are meaningful, rich and often heartbreaking. The architecture, art and cultural experiences loud, vibrant and expressive and we hope you are left feeling excited to experience it all first hand.
Candomblé
Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion that can be described as a blend of Portuguese Catholicism and African paganism (saints, known as Orixás) and within Brazil it is the strongest in Bahia as Salvador (also named "Black Rome") was a major port for arriving African slaves.
During the times of slavery it was forbidden to worship the orixás as the country's official religion was catholicism. As a result of this, worshippers got creative and linked each of their orixás to catholic saints, allowing them to practice their faith in secrecy and most importantly, without getting into trouble with the catholic church.
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There are many orixás, but the exact number varies depending on the region. You can visit impressive statues of 8 orixás at Dique do Tororo, a lake in a large recreational park. At night they have beautiful scenic lighting and you can get up close by taking a boat tour on the lake.
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No longer forbidden, it is seen today as a symbol of Brazilian cultural identity and daily candomblé ceremonies take place on sacred ground, called terreiros, (houses) which are dotted throughout Salvador and most of them will allow visitors.
Witnessing a ceremony is a fascinating cultural experience, with singing, chanting, hypnotic drumming, seismic convulsing and intense perfumes wafting through the air.
If you want to attend a ceremony, please dress respectfully (dress in white, long trousers for men, long skirts for women) and go with a guide. Research your options carefully, as some ceremonies are predominantly a tourist attraction/show. For a more authentic experience get in touch with Tatur Turismo or book the Mystical Bahia Tour. The latter will allow you to learn about Candomblé and visit a terreiro without participating in a ceremony itself. ​
Baianas de Acarajé
Acarajé was brought to northeast Brazil by slaves from western Africa. During slavery, aracajé was sold in the streets of Bahia by freed female slaves. This tradition is kept to this day, as the popular snack is exclusively made and sold by women - the Baianas de Acarajé.
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With this tradition comes the vendor’s fancy dress, which also dates from the time of slavery and continues to be a common dress in Bahia until into the 20th century. ​
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The elaborate, multi-layered dress is a reminder of baroque Europe, while the headdress is related to the slaves’ Afro-Islamic roots, where turbans are a usual part of the local dress. The type of texture, the weaving technique and the colors of the costume used to identify the religion, the ethnic background and social status of its wearer. Whereas it may now come in a variety of beautiful printed fabrics, the dress of the Baianas de Acarajé is traditionally white.
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Nowadays the Bahian dress is only worn during festivals, by women in the streets of Salvador da Bahia to lure tourists into their shop, and by Baianas de Acarajé.
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You can visit the Baianas de Acaraje Memorial in Pelourinho.​
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Capoeira
Capoeira is an art form, fighting method, self-defense, sport, music, poetry, dance, folklore, culture and cultural resistance.
Above all, it’s a martial art and a cultural and artistic expression, representing the quest for survival, freedom, dignity and identity.
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Developed by enslaved African during the 16th century, capoeira was way to practice self-defense under the guise of dance. The slaves were forbidden from practicing martials arts, so similarly to candomblé, they ingeniously incorporated dance, music and acrobatics to hide their true intent and ultimately used it to escape their slave masters and resist recapturing by the .
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After the abolition of slavery in 1888 capoeira was considered illegal and only "rescued" in the 1930s by Mestre Bimba, the legendary capoeira master who proved its legitimacy and opened the first official school of capoeira in Salvador.
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Today, Salvador is considered the cradle of capoeira (thanks to Mestre Bimba) and the Roda de Capoeira (the circle that capoeira players form) is considered an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. During your stay you will likely stumble across many Rodas de Capoeira by Mercado Modelo, in Pelourinho or in Barra by the beach.
Check out a list of popular capoeira watching spots at the bottom of this article.
Olodum
Olodum - an Afro Brazilian Music Group founded in 1979 - is both a global music phenomenon and a social movement in Bahia.
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A group of musicians founded Olodum as a loophole to being allowed to participate at the annual Carnival parade in Salvador (historically, no black blocos (music groups) were allowed at carnival). The newly founded group aimed to highlight African heritage during the massive yearly parades, and uplift the Afro-Brazilian community.
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Since Olodum’s first parade in 1980, this bloco quickly grew into one of the most important Afro-Brazilian music groups of all time. They developed their own unique sound: a fusion of Brazilian samba, Jamaican reggae and African percussion. This unique sound, combined with their strong message and colorful symbol spread like a wildfire.
One of the biggest moments for the group was in 1996, when they participated in the Michael Jackson music video for “They Don't Really Care About Us.” Less well known, but equally as impressive, they shared a stage with Paul Simon in 1991 at Concert in the Park (New York) with their song Obvious Child.
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Following their global success, Olodum was able to initiate social projects, founded a school and are fighting for the rights and safety of marginalized people in Brazil. Today they are an official non-profit organization as well as a highly successful music group.
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On Tuesdays, the historic centre in Pelourinho is jam-packed with people eating, drinking and dancing, just outside the door of the open courtyard where Olodum holds its rehearsals (at the Praça Tereza Batista).
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Visit the Casa de Olodum during your stay to learn more.
Carnival
Salvador's carnival is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest street party in the world (just look at that picture!) and is - unlike it's famous counterpart in Rio - accessible to everyone as it is free and celebrated on the streets.
During carnival the city comes (even more) to live with blocos (street parties) and "trios eléctricos" (massive truck floats with live bands) that lasts for 6 unforgettable days. That is strictly counting the official carnival days and ignores that the city starts to brim with carnival fever as of NYE with carnival rehearsals taking place all over the city.
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​There are three ways to experience carnival:
1. Pipoca (popcorn experience): the most budget friendly option is to simply join the masses and rub elbows with the locals.
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2. Abadá (join a bloco): Party alongside your favourite bloco/ carnival music group (e.g.Olodum) in a cordoned off area next to a trio eléctrico by buying a ticket (in the form of a t-shirt). In exchange, you have (a bit) more space, are generally safer and beer vendors will come to you. Some blocos allow you to use their private bathrooms.
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3. Camarote (the comfort experience): Camarotes are essentially private lounges that are located along the circuits. Partying there, can be pricey depending on the exclusivity of the camarote - there are some that have an open bar and spa services, while others provide a drink, food and private restrooms.
