Lampião, the emblematic figure of the Cangaço, is often portrayed as a visionary, fearless and cunning warrior, but this heroic image has been increasingly challenged by contemporary historians. Virgulino Ferreira da Silva, the man behind the myth, not only orchestrated robberies and kidnappings, but also cultivated a scene of extreme […]
Recife dos Holandeses began with the Dutch invasion, which was part of the Dutch project to occupy and administer the north-east of Brazil through the Dutch West India Company. By 1624, the Dutch had already established the West India Company and were planning to expand their overseas territories in Africa […]
The story of the Costa do Descobrimento begins on 22 April 1500, when Pedro Álvares Cabral‘s squadron spotted a rounded hill, Mount Pascoal, to the south of Bahia. In search of a safe place to dock, the thirteen ships sailed north along the coast and, at dusk on April 24, […]
The Bay of Todos os Santos is a bay in the Brazilian coastline in the state of Bahia. It is the second largest bay in the world (after the Gulf of Bengal) and the largest in Brazil. It covers 1,233 km² and has an average depth of 9.8 metres, ranging […]
The Todos os Santos Bay and its recesses are an immense amphitheatre where nature, history and culture come together to form a beautiful setting for nautical tourism and ecotourism activities. This magnificent setting is made up of a vast expanse of calm waters from which 56 islands emerge. There are […]
The history of the Northeast begins with the discovery of Brazil, and the Northeast owes its birth and development to the sugar industry. Point zero of Brazilian history was in the Northeast, the history of the Northeast owes its birth and development to the sugar mill. Today, the region still […]
Discover Alcântara: History, Culture and Attractions of Maranhão Alcântara, located in the state of Maranhão, Brazil, is a city rich in history and culture, offering an enchanting tourist destination. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Alcântara was one of the most prosperous cities in Maranhão. To explore this historic stronghold, […]
Fernando de Noronha Archipelago: History, Geography and Tourism The Fernando de Noronha Archipelago consists of 21 islands, islets and rocks of volcanic origin in the South Equatorial Atlantic Ocean. The main island, also known as Fernando de Noronha, is the only inhabited island and accounts for about 91 per cent […]
Its history is directly linked to the Discovery of Brazil, being one of the first points of the territory sighted and explored by the Portuguese in 1500. The region inhabited by the Tupiniquins was the scene of the first contact between Europeans and indigenous peoples, marking the beginning of Portuguese […]
Itacaré’s history began as a village of Pataxós Indians, which became a Jesuit settlement in the 18th century. It was an important port in the cocoa cycle and in smuggling, preserving its rich historical past to this day. Itacaré, in the south of Bahia, is an ideal destination for those […]
When the first Spanish colonists arrived in the Americas, cacao was already being cultivated by the Indians, especially the Aztecs in Mexico and the Mayans in Central America. According to historians, the cacao tree, called cacahualt, was considered sacred. In Mexico, the Aztecs believed it to be of divine origin […]
Piatã is the highest mountain town in the entire Northeast. Piatã is a municipality in the state of Bahia in Brazil. It is the highest and coldest municipality in the state, as well as in the entire Northeastern Region of Brazil. With an altitude of 1,280 metres, it surpasses other […]
Located in the Chapada Diamantina, the city of Ibicoara, which means “hole in the ground”, attracts tourists for its gastronomy, culture and beautiful waterfalls. The city was founded in the 19th century with the arrival of prospectors in the Chapada in search of gold. Originally known as the “village of […]
The Island of Itaparica was discovered by Europeans on 1 November 1501 by Amerigo Vespucci, along with the Bay of All Saints. However, the island was already occupied by the Tupinambá Indians. European occupation The European occupation of the island of Itaparica began with a small settlement founded by the […]
The history of the founding of Salvador, Bahia, began as a fortified city, or at least that was the intention of King João III of Portugal. As the capital or “head” of Brazil, its defence was a constant concern. The prominence of the fortifications in the landscape of the city […]
The history of Bahia began with the arrival of the Portuguese in Porto Seguro and continued with Colonisation, Empire and Republic. The official history of Brazil began in Bahia; history records that the discoverer, Pedro Álvares Cabral, landed on the coast of the region where Porto Seguro is now located, […]
Diogo Álvares Correia, better known as Caramuru, is a central figure in the secret history of Salvador, Bahia. There are hidden historical fragments in the heart of the city. They are hidden stories that sleep before our eyes, on street corners, in streets, in squares and in urban monuments. The […]
Lord of Bonfim ribbons: History and Meaning The ribbons of Senhor do Bonfim are amulets of faith and tradition that have a long and rich history, especially associated with the city of Salvador, in Bahia, and the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim. Video about the history of Senhor do […]
Introduction The Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim isn’t the prettiest, but it is certainly the most famous in Salvador due to the traditional “Lavagem do Bonfim”, a celebration marked by Baianas throwing water on the steps of the church during a festival that lasts all day, enlivened by afoxé […]
The Salvadorian Carnival is now the largest folk festival in the world. During the six days of carnival, around 2 million revelers parade along the routes known as Batatinha, Dodô and Osmar. But it wasn’t always so. The evolution of carnival Until the end of the 19th century, the petit […]
The fascinating history and evolution of carnival: from ancient times to today The origin of Carnival is a controversial subject. Some historians associate the beginning of Carnival celebrations with ancient rituals performed to praise good harvests, ten thousand years before Christ. Historical influences Others say it began later, in Egypt, […]
Capoeira: an Afro-Brazilian cultural expression Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian cultural expression that combines elements of martial arts, dance, music and acrobatics. Origin of Capoeira The origins of Capoeira are closely linked to the history of the African slaves brought to Brazil. From the 16th century, thousands of Africans were forced […]
Afro-Brazilian religions arose from the forced encounter between African peoples brought to Brazil as slaves and local cultures. Through their coexistence, there was an exchange and synthesis of rites, beliefs and practices, giving rise to distinct religious traditions that are nevertheless linked by common roots. Video on the history of […]
Bahia Maritime Museum: what you need to know before visiting Housed within the iconic Barra Lighthouse, the Bahia Maritime Museum is one of
A quick cultural guide to Salvador’s most popular museums, with practical tips on how to make the most of each visit. Salvador is a cultural hub
Paranaguá Palace — Ilhéus (Bahia) Paranaguá Palace, listed by the Bahia Institute of Artistic and Cultural Heritage (IPAC), is one of the
São Jorge Parish Church in Ilhéus (BA): a heritage site of historical, Jesuit and religious art significance The Parish Church of São Jorge is one
The Convent and Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade: a neo-Gothic heritage site and religious symbol of Ilhéus (BA) The Church of Nossa Senhora da
History of the Cathedral of São Sebastião in Ilhéus — architecture, chronology and significance The design of the Cathedral of São Sebastião
Ilhéus: culture, history and natural beauty in southern Bahia Ilhéus, in southern Bahia, is famous for the novels of Jorge Amado (such as Gabriela,
Following the expulsion of the Jesuits, the church of the former College of the Society of Jesus became the Cathedral Basilica of Salvador, replacing
The Cathedral Basilica of Salvador is located in the heart of Pelourinho and is one of the most important sacred buildings in colonial Brazil. As
To understand frevo is to reconstruct the history of Recife’s working classes and the city’s urban development between the late 19th and
