Salvador, BRAZIL
Airing Date: Apr 24th, 2006
When thinking of Brazil, most people have images of the party central of Brazil - Rio De Janeiro.
Here, though, is proof that regardless of location, the Brazilians really know how to turn the turn the heat up and party like it's going out of fashion! Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia. It was the first major port and the capital of colonial Brazil for almost two centuries. The city lies between green tropical hills and broad beaches along the bay of Todos os Santos. It was built on two levels -administration buildings and residences constructed on the hills; forts, docks, and warehouses on the beaches. To this day the city is still divided into upper and lower cities.
From 1500 to 1815, Salvador was the nation's busiest port and is still considered the one of the most musical and historic cities of Brazil. In Salvador, more than anywhere else in the country, the African influences in the makeup of Brazilian culture are still readily visible. These include the spicy dishes still called by their African names (Caruru, Vatapa, Acaraji), the ceremonies of Candombl which honour both African deities and Catholic holidays, and the Capoeira schools where a unique African form of ritualistic fighting is still being taught.
Pelourinho is the Old City, the old heart of Salvador, with colonial-era buildings and winding cobblestone streets; this is the heart of Salvador's music and Capoeira life. Pelourinho means pillory, and Salvador's Pelourinho District stood at the city's market center -now the place of bars, restaurants and small shops. Pelourinho is also quite self-consciously touristy. The area was rebuilt starting in 1994 and boutiques sprouted like dandelions.
Tuesday night is Pelourinho's biggest party night. It's called beno (or blessing), from an origin in the Igreja do Santo Antnio's custom of giving away bread to the poor on Tuesday evenings. Bahia has a way of turning religious events into parties, and that's exactly what happens here - lots of people, lots of music, and lots of dancing!
Further Information
LAN Airlines from $2937 ex Sydney, $3114 ex Melbourne, $3114 ex Brisbane, $3369 ex Adelaide, $3892 ex Perth.
Prices include taxes. Subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
LAN Airlines
1800 221 572
6 night package from $1691 a person. Includes accommodation tours & transfers.
Unlimited Travel
1300 668 241
www.un-limitedtravel.com.au
Prices correct at 24/4/06
