The Heart of Afro-Brazilian Culture

Salvador, located in the state of Bahia, is one of the most culturally rich cities in the African diaspora. During this immersive boutique experience, we will explore the powerful Afro-Brazilian traditions that shape the heartbeat of this historic coastal city and much of Brazilian culture.

Why Salvador? As the first capital of Brazil and a cornerstone of the African diaspora, it’s a living archive of Afro-Brazilian culture. From Candomblé to capoeira, to the music and food, this city holds centuries of African influence.

One of the highlights of our journey will be experiencing the vibrant Festa da Boa Morte (Festival of Good Death, from Sisterhood of Our Lady Good Death)  — a centuries-old Afro-Brazilian celebration honoring sisterhood, faith, and cultural continuity. 

The tour goes through points of Pelourinho, the main tourist spot in the city, passing through places such as the Afro Museum, the Black Church, cultural movements, among others. The tour is led by local  hosts who share histories about the black protagonists in the city's culture and history.  We'll discover some iconic buildings and organizations led by black people in history and contemporary cultural spots.

Visit to the main religious houses of African origin in Salvador - a city with the greatest presence of the black population and a Yoruba legacy outside Africa.Traditional religious houses will be visited, accessing their memorial and open spaces to feel the power. We'll have a traditional dinner with the sacred meals offered for the gods and goddess and discover their sacred meanings.

Acervo da Laje is a House, Museum, and School located in two houses in the Salvador Railway Suburb. It has been in existence since 2010, coordinated independently by Vilma Santos and José Eduardo Ferreira Santos, without any institutional or governmental support. Their main focus is to preserve and put in spotlight the memory and beauty of art from peripheral artists from the territory, fighting against the violence stigma of the region and the erasure of their history. It is maintained through our own expenses, voluntary contributions, and a small shop selling books and catalogs. After the visit, we'll have lunch at a local traditional restaurant. 

A boat trip through the waters of the Bay of All Saints, where we will visit 2 of the 56 islands that make up the Bay of All Saints. We will visit the Ilha dos Frades (Friars' Island), where we will stop at Praia de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe Beach), the most important beach on the island from a tourist perspective. Its warm, clear waters are irresistible for a good swim. Then we proceed to the next destination of our tour: Ilha de Itaparica (Itaparica Island).

A hands-on cooking class to discover the rich flavors of Afro-Brazilian cuisine with classic dishes like moqueca and its accompaniments, such as caruru, vatapá, and others. In this exclusive session, we will learn about the origins of the ingredients used, as well as the history of some dishes and their uses in Bahian culture, both in homes and in religious ceremonies.

Let's follow a day of the traditional Festa da Boa Morte (Festival of the Good Death) in Cachoeira, a center of Black culture and resistance in the country. The Irmandade da Boa Morte (Sisterhood of the Good Death), composed of Black women, has kept this tradition alive for over two centuries.

Originating during the slavery period, the festival represents a symbol of the struggle for freedom and the preservation of ancestral faith. During the festival days, the city of Cachoeira is transformed.

The rituals unite elements of popular Catholicism with the fundamentals of Candomblé, creating a fusion of symbols and meanings that echo the history of Black resistance in Bahia.