Brazilians of African ancestry share much of their history with African-Americans, in their arrival and adaptations to the ‘New World’. Their customs and religions may have been influenced by centuries of Latin, instead of Anglo-Saxon upbringing, but there is much in common between African descendants in North and South America.
Salvador, in the State of Bahia, formerly the capital of Brazil, was the main port of entry for much of the colonial period and is today one of the country’s most fascinating and historical cities. Four centuries of blending African, Portuguese and Native Brazilian influences have created a rich culture, with many well preserved features from the Colonial era. Besides Bahia’s famous sandy beaches, there is a wealth of places to visit in Salvador, including over 300 churches and excellent museums such as the Afro-Brazilian and Sacred Arts, as well as some of Brazil’s finest examples of colonial architecture. Faithful to traditions brought from Africa, the people of Bahia have diverse customs and religions and ‘Candomble’ is one of their most prominent spiritual orientations. Bahia folklore also reflects a rich cultural diversity and ‘Capoeira’, originally a martial-art of self-defense, is now a delightful form of dance entertainment, like a blend of ballet and acrobatics.
Rio de Janeiro, with its spectacular mountains and beautiful beaches, is world famous for its laid-back and fun loving ways. Samba and soccer are the native’s greatest passions and both are practices at Rio’s beaches on a daily basis. Rio is also a shopping paradise, with the best buys being jewelry, leather goods and casual clothes. The quality is excellent and the prices are low. For the greatest bargains don’t miss the Hippie Fair, a famous part of Rio’s lively and colorful traditions.