History

Salvador is, without doubt, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. For this, and another series of singular characteristics, it has become one of the main international tourist destinations. Famous for its history, the legacy left by people from other continents, for the cultural miscegenation, the religious syncretism and for the hospitable people, the capital of Bahia is the scenario and object of studies for professionals from various areas for many years.

Capital of Bahia state and capital of Brasil until 1763, the city is divided into two parts: the Low City, at sea level, where the old port is situated and the business area where visitors find a complete and varied offer of art from Brasil, as well as artesian works in the Model Market. It is also the best place to watch a presentation of capoeira, a war art developed by the black slaves who came from Africa. The High City can be reached by cobbled streets, corridors or the Lacerda Elevator. This part shows old government constructions, residential suburbs, museums, churches and a lot of new architecture.

Its rich history, its fascinating music loaded with African heritage and its exuberant nature, make SALVADOR a city that is not only described but a city which ones feels in a magical manner.

The centuries of fusion of the negro, white and indigenous ethnicities molded a cultural identity extremely rich and pluralist in Salvador, with traditions preserved in popular shows and cult that still population the streets of the city. Amongst them are highlighted:

• Capoeira: a mixture of fighting and dance that arose amongst the slaves with an Angolan origin;
  
  
• Maculelê: It is believed to have evolved from cucumbi (old negro dance) until it became a mixture of dance and set of knives, called gringas, with which the participants give and hold off blows;
  
  
• Samba de Roda: show with an Angolan origin, with extreme sensuality, in which its central figure in a Samba round central passes the first place to another through belly touching;
  
  
• Reisado: denomination common to the feelings and crowds that is presented in the Kings Festival (6 January), in the Lapinha place. The participants normally use striking clothes, decorated with sequins;
  
  
• Candomblé: display most expressive and rich of the African Brazilian religions, underwent transformations throughout the centuries that, if on one hand reconciled their content, on the other allowed the preservation of the essential elements of the cultural identity of the African negro slaves in Brazil. Candomblé is directly linked to the forces of nature, whose elements are represented by Gods and Goddesses, called Orixás and who receive services and special rituals.