Salvador Recalls His African Ancestors in Food, Dance, Music and Faith
Salvador was the first capital of Brazil, from 1549 to 1763, when then it lost the title to Rio de Janeiro. Until now the two cities have competing to attract more tourists. Disputes aside, Salvador has one asset that no other Brazilian city has: its explicit connections with Africa.
The African-Brazilian culture is a plus for tourists who choose to visit Salvador. With around 80% black population, the city is one that most preserve the colors and sounds of the continent of their ancestors slaves. At the same time, it also renew their beliefs daily. The religion, in terraces or churches, the berimbau (musical instrument) and rhythmic strokes that give the tone of the culture, and the sympathy of the locals, serving many different desserts and meals based on palm oil, pepper and coconut milk, yes, this is Bahia.
On the streets of Pelourinho, a postcard of the city and World Heritage Site, in front of houses that began to be restored in the 1990s, its easy to spot people smiling around even when We know most them have a hard life and they try to survive with their small business or just selling goods. But when the evening comes, most them will anchor a bench in the square and see the life pass or will just chat with friends.
Salvador is so prosaic that it seems that you already know the city on your first visit. Everything there was already been in books, movies, songs, and even stories from friends.
On Salvador, one the most intriguing events for foreigners is to see different religions sharing the same space without bother each other, some with a loud music from drums or just quiet, praying.
The city has the color and smell of nostalgia of distant Africa. The smell of food, sounds from amateur musicians and a friendly environment makes Salvador one of the best places in Brazil for those looking for both history and a taste of different cultures at one single place. Also, Salvador is only a few miles from many beautiful desert beaches with white sand and palm trees.
A perfect trip to Salvador should include a weekend on one of the many parties the city promotes, usually a pre season Carnival. The main event, Carnival, happens at every year on February and expect prices to skyrocket during this time. Try to avoid between December and earlier March, summer time, the city will be crowded and it will be difficult to find rooms available at reasonable rates at the hotels and restaurants can be an expensive experience.
The best time to be there is around April-June and August-October. There are will plenty of promotions on hotels, pousadas, resorts and spas. At this time all the beauty of Salvador can be seen at low pace.
Planning travel to Northeast Brazilian destinations? Check Hotel Pousada website for rates and more info on this four stars Hotel and more about on Brazilian destinations.
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