Salvador was founded in 1549 and is one of Brazil's oldest cities. During the colonial period, it was a major center in the African slave trade. Hence, the African cultural influence can be sensed more than anywhere else in Brazil. Cultural activities and arts have been mainly influenced by the African roots of the population -book your seats to a folkloric ballet performance that will transport you in an artistic manifestation from the slavery times to more contemporary ones to the sound of enchanting tunes. Let's note here that Carnival in Salvador is a very popular event, and might be even more fascinating to attend than the one in Rio. And so has their typical savory cuisine: make sure to try the moqueca, a rich fish stew, and acarajé, a type of fritter originally from the West African coast. The current economy is based on several industries -such as food processing, chemical production, textile and ceramics, metallurgy, woodworking, and shipbuilding- and the port of Salvador is one of the finest in Brazil. Tourism is also a key component, with Salvador overflowing with historic sites and dream beaches. Be careful with your belongings and avoid venturing alone in alleys where only a few people are around. The low part of the city -cidade baixa- entails the port, the commercial district, and residential areas. The upper part -cidade alta- is where you can see a lot of the historic spots, governmental offices, and prominent homes. The old city center of Pelourinho -pillory- was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The Lacerda elevator, a landmark you should visit, connects the two parts of the city. When visiting Salvador, brace yourself for the food, the nightlife, the history, the culture, and of course, the views!
Happy traveling ✈️✈️✈️
