Salvador is a unique place, where a magical air intermingles with reality to form a unique harmony. Its narrow winding streets and steep hills that divide the city in two are striking. Connected by the famous Lacerda Elevator that carries passengers in four cabins, there is a distance of 72 meters that separates the two cities, which is also bridged by trolleys which run on inclined planes, and modern avenues that contrast with the historical aspect of the old city.
Founded in 1549 and blessed with sunshine almost all the year round, Salvador remains unaltered by the passage of the years. Its churches, townhouses, mansions, and fortresses are enchanting. The Pelourinho area - one of the most important vestiges of Brazil's colonial architecture - forms the heart of Salvador's Historic District. The most important relics of Brazil's rich heritage are in this area, such as the Sao Francisco Church, also known as the Gold Church, and the Basilica Cathedral.
The regions perfect climate, rich folklore and fertile environment have had a nurturing effect on Bahia's people; the" baianos" are warm and creative. Their love of spontaneity, joy and beauty sets the atmosphere of their streets and the tone of their religious ceremonies and festivals. In Bahia, every day is a cause for celebration!
Salvador is also known as the "Land of Todos os Santos" (all Saints), or the "Land of the Orixas" (the gods) brought from West Africa by the "Yoruba" slaves. The city takes pride in having a church for each day of the year. With their dynamically colored clothing and necklaces, rhythmic drummers, dancers and singers summon the gods and saints in an expression of Afro-Brazilian religion.
Another outstanding expression of Bahian folklore is the "Capoeira", a combat/dance, popular among young men, based on the movements and gestures of African dancing. It is practiced with the musical accompaniment of the "berimbau", a wooden "gourd" attached to a wooden bow strung with wire, and plucked with a coin. In Brazil, the slaves transformed these movements and gestures into a form of hand-to-hand combat. Today, "capoeira" is once again a dance and its blows have become solely symbolic gestures sliding harmlessly past the opponent’s body.
Not to be forgotten are the beaches and islands facing the city of Salvador, where one can find the calmness of white sand on weekdays and the gaiety and happiness of the locals during the weekends. You won’t want to return to reality!
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