When it comes to planning a visit to Brazil, various tourists will instantly imagine Rio de Janeiro and its popular beaches or the metropolitan lifestyle of Brazilian urban centers like Sao Paulo. But, there is a place which represents the heart, soul, and cultural identity of Brazil more than any other place, namely Salvador. It would be a mistake to exclude Salvador on a list of places to visit by any individual seeking a Brazil visiting visa. The capital of Bahia, the city is a blending pot of African, Portuguese, and Indigenous cultures that create a distinct cultural hub that is historic and vibrant with energy.

A City Steeped in History

The first colonial capital of Brazil was Salvador and it is among the most historically important cities of the country. Strolling along the paved avenues of Pelourinho, the historic center and a world heritage site that is a part of UNESCO, one would feel that he has traveled back in time. The squares are lined by brightly painted colonial buildings and there are baroque churches which are reminders of Portuguese architectural influence.

This is where the transatlantic slave trade was central and thus it is highly relevant to the Afro-Brazilian heritage of Brazil. The region is vibrant today with music, art and festivals that embrace resilience and cultural pride.

Afro-Brazilian Identity and Traditions.

The only distinction that is unique to Salvador is the heavy African influence. About 80 percent of the population is of Afro- Brazilian descent and this legacy is evident everywhere, be it music and dance, religion, and cuisine.

• Candomblé Religion: Candombla was developed based on the spiritual traditions of West Africa, and it has influenced the identity of Salvador. Tourists have an opportunity to observe rituals and ceremonies during which worshipers respect orixasa (gods) with the help of dancing, drumming, and offerings.
• Capoeira: This fighting art, the product of the struggle of enslaved Africans to gain their freedom, is a combination of acrobats, dance, and rhythm. In the streets of Salvador, it is easy to find capoeira circles where the performers demonstrate amazing techniques to the sounds of berimbau instruments.
• Music: Samba is perhaps the national beat in Brazil but Salvador is where an axe music and other Afro-Brazilian music originated. The city comes alive during Carnival as live performances are taking place on the streets.

Carnival, a Cultural Explosion of Salvador.

By the way of Carnival, Salvador offers one of the largest street parties in the world- it is even more vibrant than Rio. In contrast to Rio, where the parades are organized in special arenas, the Carnival in Salvador takes place in the streets. Live band trucks with a very large size (they are known as trios elétricos) roll up and down neighbourhoods, and everybody is welcome to dance.

Not only is this a celebration, but it is also a cultural presentation of the Afro-Brazilian heritage of Salvador. The Carnival at Salvador is an experience to be remembered by the travelers who wish to explore the Brazilian culture.

Bahia:The Flavors of a Culinary Journey.

Salvador is a gourmand heaven particularly to those interested in Afro-Brazilian food. Bahian cuisine is very abundant, spicy and tasty, with extensive use of palm oil, coconut milk and seafood.

Some must-try dishes include:

• Acarajé: Fried black-eyed pea fritters stuffed with shrimp, vatapa (creamy paste of bread, nuts and spices) and salad. This food is African in origin and is usually being sold by women wearing traditional white clothes.
• Moqueca Baiana: A cooked seafood stew made with coconut milk, palm oil and peppers. This is an appetizing meal that shows the combination of African and Portuguese foods.
• Cocada and Quindim: Sweet desserts which demonstrate the Brazilian fondness of coconut and eggs in some unusual and delicious combinations.
• Going to eat in Salvador is not only a matter of filling your stomach but it is also a cultural experience by itself.

Art, Dance, and Everyday Life

Salvador is a creative person in all aspects of life, not just food and festivals. The streets are loaded with graffiti, handicraft fairs, and local workshops. Tourists have the opportunity to see the work of Afro-Brazilian-inspired artisans such as ceramics, woven baskets and jewelry.

Dance is one more element of the identity of Salvador. Since samba de roda, a traditional African-Brazilian circle dance, to modern dance schools that glorify the African heritage, movement is omnipresent in the city. Tourists can participate in workshops to be taught how the rhythms determine the heartbeat of the city of Salvador.

Beaches and Natural Beauty

Although Salvador is renowned by its cultural heritage it has beautiful beaches along the coast. One of the popular ones is Porto da Barra Beach, which has calm waters and magnificent sunset. To find a quieter alternative, Itapuana Beach is a more temperature-lax choice, as the coconut trees always move with the breeze and fishermen throw their nets in the early morning.

It is a blend of culture and beauty of nature, and Salvador offers the perfect marriage between the two to visitors.

Why Visit Salvador?

Salvador is not merely a city, it is a breathing museum of history, identity and pride of the culture. A mix of attractively decorated Pelourinho, glamorous Carnival, Bahian cuisine and capoeira, Salvador can present a traveler with an opportunity to look at Brazil through a different set of lenses, bypassing the most common tourist spots.

Salvador will provide lifetime memories to UAE travelers or even those who want to have a genuine Brazilian experience. It only takes a proper travel arrangement and the appropriate visa to get you started to this Afro-Brazilian paradise.

Conclusion

Salvador is a place where history, culture and tradition are brought to life on every street corner. Be it its Carnival, its cuisine or its religious practices, this city will make a mark in your heart. Travelers who intend to travel to Brazil should consider visiting Go Kite Travel to secure a Brazil visa that will make the process painless and easy so that you can concentrate on enjoying the cultural treasures that Salvador has to offer.