Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of Todos os Santos Bay, the spot is particularly renowned for its unforgettable sunsets. In the courtyard that juts out over the sea, there is […]
Of the towns listed in the Northeast, 11 are in Bahia and represent the process of occupation of the Bahian territory until the end of the 19th century. The listed towns of Cachoeira, Itaparica, Porto Seguro and Santa Cruz de Cabrália represent this period, when sugar cane, and later tobacco, […]
The Captaincy of Todos os Santos Bay was one of the most important hereditary captaincies established by the Kingdom of Portugal at the beginning of the colonisation of Brazil in 1534. Granted to the grantee Francisco Pereira Coutinho, it occupied a strategic position on the Brazilian coast, centred on the […]
Discover the 12 most important historic cities in the Northeast of Brazil, built during the colonial period and still preserving a large part of their houses. The history of Brazil The history of Brazil is rich, extensive and full of contradictions. Developing a narrative that covers the details of the […]
The wonders of the Brazilian Northeast deserve to be celebrated at every opportunity. In this article, we’ll explore the charms of this region, which stretches from the Parnaíba Delta to the Recôncavo Baiano, with some 3,000 kilometres of coastline, full of dunes, cliffs, sand banks and mangroves. The Northeast Region […]
For many, the turban is a symbol of blackness, culture and beauty, but this accessory, full of meanings and functions, is also widely used by people from the East. As well as being a symbol of identity and tradition for many African cultures, the turban has a strong presence in […]
The Iemanjá Festival in Salvador de Bahia attracts thousands of Bahians and tourists who flock to the beaches of the Rio Vermelho on 2 February every year. Iyemanjá, Yemanjá, Yemaya, Iemoja or Yemoja, is an African orisha whose name derives from the Yoruba expression “Yèyé omo ejá” (“Mother whose children […]
Tourism in Salvador: A unique experience A visit to Salvador, the capital of Bahia, offers a unique experience that combines history, culture, nature and a rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. A living museum Salvador is a true living museum, reflecting Brazil’s rich history and cultural diversity. A symbol of the mixing of […]
Churches of Salvador, Bahia: Architectural and Historical Treasures The churches of Salvador, Bahia are architectural and historical treasures that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the city, which was the first capital of Brazil and an important centre of Catholicism during the colonial period. With architectural styles ranging from Baroque […]
Discover Salvador’s most important churches: architectural styles, history, religious syncretism and practical tips for visiting these monuments, ranging from the colonial period to contemporary works. Churches in Salvador (BA): architectural and historical treasures Salvador, Brazil’s first capital, boasts an impressive religious heritage — some 160 churches — which reflect the […]
Salvador’s museums offer a rich variety of cultural and educational experiences, reflecting the diversity and history of Bahia. Main Highlights of Salvador’s Museums Historical Collections: Exhibitions detailing the history of the city, from colonial times to the present day, including artefacts, documents and historical objects. Art and Culture: Collections of […]
Enjoy Salvador’s parks and squares. Discover the rich variety of green spaces and enjoy moments of leisure, culture and relaxation. Green areas and open spaces are a good alternative to exploring the city’s parks to enjoy the surroundings and make the most of your leisure time, as well as enjoying […]
1. History of the Forts of Salvador, Bahia The city of Salvador was founded with defence in mind: the Portuguese colonisers’ aim was to secure sovereignty over the territory. For this reason, the forts became the central elements of the colonial capital’s defensive system. Trenches, bastions and towers, positioned at […]
Discover the Must-See Places in Salvador: A Complete Guide to the Capital of Bahia History and culture Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is rich in history, culture and natural beauty, making it a destination brimming with interesting places to visit. Stunning beaches Salvador boasts stunning beaches, such as Praia do […]
Salvador combines history, culture and nature in activities that are perfect for families. We have selected attractions that combine fun and learning, with practical information to help you plan outings with children and teenagers. Tourist attractions for children and families 1. Monteiro Lobato Children’s Library — reading and workshops A […]
Todos os Santos Bay is the largest bay in Brazil. It was first recorded by Europeans on 1 November 1501 — it was given this name because it coincided with All Saints’ Day. Located in the state of Bahia, it is of great historical, ecological and economic importance. The bay […]
Salvador Carnival: Brazil’s largest popular festival Celebrating Carnival in Salvador is a unique experience. The Salvador Carnival is one of the biggest popular festivals in Brazil, very well organised and attracting more than 2.5 million revellers to the streets of Salvador. The joy of Bahia “Ah! Imagine, what a crazy […]
Salvador, one of Brazil’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, offers a wide range of experiences and practices related to prostitution, sex, massage parlours, bars and nightclubs. This landscape is shaped by the city’s diversity and the interaction between its different urban, cultural and social environments. General context Prostitution in […]
The Pelourinho is a traditional neighbourhood in Salvador, the capital of Bahia, located in the heart of the Historic Centre of Salvador. Renowned worldwide for its colonial architecture in the Portuguese Baroque style, Pelourinho is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of colonial architecture in […]
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. Hidden fragments of history remain in the city’s streets, squares and monuments — stories that we will reveal here. The first encounters in Todos os Santos Bay In 1501, Amerigo Vespucci discovered […]
The Church of São Pedro dos Clérigos, situated in the historic centre of Salvador, is one of the finest examples of Brazilian colonial Baroque architecture. The Brotherhood dates back to the 16th century (c. 1580) and, from the early 18th century onwards, began work on its own headquarters in Terreiro […]
Salvador, Brazil’s first capital, is a city with a rich history, a vibrant culture and impressive architecture. Its tourist attractions and architectural heritage reflect a blend of influences — from Portuguese colonisation to Afro-Brazilian heritage — and attract visitors from all over the world. Overview Salvador boasts beaches, historic sites, […]
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 […]
Discover the cultural richness of the samba de roda: Origins, Instruments and Intangible Heritage Samba de Roda is a more primitive musical variant of the samba, which originated in the Brazilian state of Bahia in the 17th century, probably in the 19th century. This traditional Afro-Brazilian musical style is associated […]
On June 26, 2009, the band Olodum held a tribute to Michael Jackson at Largo do Pelourinho in Salvador—the location where the artist filmed scenes for the music video “They Don’t Care About Us” in February 1996. Thirty musicians performed for the passersby. Memories and emotion Ubiraci Carvalho, known as […]
The New Bahians: The musical revolution of Bahia in the 1960s and 1970s The Novos Baianos were formed in Bahia in the 1960s by Paulinho Boca de Cantor, Pepeu Gomes, Moraes Moreira, Dadi, Galvão, Jorginho, Baixinho, Bolacha and Baby. The group made their debut with the show “Desembarque dos Bichos […]
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, […]
Biography of Raul Seixas: The journey of a Brazilian rock legend Childhood and influences Raul Seixas (Raul dos Santos Seixas) was born in Salvador, Bahia, on 28 June 1945, the son of Raul Varella Seixas and Maria Eugênia Seixas. He comes from the same region and generation as Gilberto Gil, […]
Tourism in Bahia is characterised by the fact that the state is one of the most important tourist centres in Brazil. Bahia has an immense variety of landscapes, cultural traditions and attractions, allowing it to be divided into tourist areas, each with a name characteristic of its main physical and […]
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 […]
Candomblé: An Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religion that developed in the 19th century, particularly in Brazil, from a mixture of African religious traditions brought by slaves, mainly from the region of modern-day Benin and Nigeria, with elements of Catholicism and indigenous traditions. Origins and cultural resistance Its origins […]
Capoeira in Salvador: An authentic martial art Salvador, in Bahia, is one of the birthplaces of capoeira and offers numerous opportunities to see this martial art in its most authentic setting. The city is home to many renowned capoeira groups and historical sites where capoeira is practised regularly. The history […]
Iemanjá, thousands of Bahians and tourists flock to the beaches of Rio Vermelho in Salvador every year on 2 February. The goddess Iemanjá Iyemanjá, Yemanjá, Yemaya, Iemoja or Yemoja is an African orisha whose name derives from the Yoruba expression “Yèyé omo ejá” (“Mother whose children are fish”). Identified in […]
The Baiana costume: A cultural expression The costume worn by baianas, often called baiano, reflects the influence of African culture in Brazil, combined with the swaying hips and swaying gait characteristic of samba. Traditional Baiana costume The traditional costume of the baiana is a set of traditional clothes and is […]
Acarajé: An expression of Afro-Brazilian tradition Much more than just a dish from Bahian cuisine, acarajé is a true expression of the rich Afro-Brazilian tradition. With roots in Africa, this delicacy symbolises the fusion of cultures and the resilience of Afro-descendant communities over the centuries. Street vendors in Salvador Sold […]
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 […]
Afro hairstyles in Salvador have deep roots in African culture brought by enslaved peoples during the colonial period. These hairstyles are an essential part of the identity and resilience of African peoples and Afro-descendants in Bahia and Brazil as a whole. Video about Afro hair styles in Salvador Afro Hairstyles […]
The Rio Vermelho neighbourhood is Salvador’s main hub for bohemian life and dining, bringing together bars, restaurants, acarajé stalls, small
Lençóis is the gateway to the Chapada Diamantina. The town was founded when diamond deposits were discovered in Mucugê in the mid-19th century. At
Ponta de Humaitá is one of the most charming spots in Salvador, situated near Monte Serrat Fort on the Itapagipe peninsula. With a stunning view of
A practical guide to things to do in Pelourinho: Baroque churches, museums, squares, a suggested itinerary and tips for making the most of
The beaches of Salvador, Bahia, offer 50 km of coastline with something for everyone: beaches with calm waters perfect for families, reefs that form
Arembepe is a charming village on the north coast of Bahia, around 42 km from Salvador. Known for its historic Hippie Village, the Tamar Project site
Salvador, the capital of Bahia, is a vibrant city where history, Afro-Brazilian culture, music and beaches come together — the perfect setting for
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
A listed neoclassical building in Ilhéus, a symbol of the heyday of the cocoa industry. Find out when it was built, what to see and how to organise
