Sunday, May 15, 2011

Vacation to Salvador, Brazil: A Great Idea

Brazil is known for its sandy beaches, beautiful people, and wild nightlife. The combined force of these elements reaches fabulous peak in Salvador. Salvador is the capital of the state of Bahia, and this city knows how to have a good time. As early as the 17th century, Bahia de Todos os Santos (the Bay of All Saints, which the city of Salvador overlooks) was called e de Quase Todos os Pecados, meaning "and of Nearly All The Sins" because of its reputation for debauchery.
Today it's a fun, funky town in a stunning tropical setting, but it does have a party scene that is unique in Brazil. Unlike in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, you won't find a trendy party scene here. Salvador isn't known for its hip nightclubs and bars. The best parties here take place in outdoor spaces or in the street, and nobody cares how you're dressed - shorts and sandals will do. This carefree spirit can beas intoxicating as the free-flowing drinks.
Salvador is the oldest city in Brazil and was the country's capital for over 200 years, until it was replaced by Rio de Janeiro in 1763. The state of Bahia then went into decline because it was isolated from Brazil's prosperous south. But in Bahia, the melting pot of Africans in exile meanwhile developed a fascinating culture. The music, dance, cuisine, and religion that developed are unique to this part of Brazil, and have stronger ties to Africa than most other places in the Americas. Approximately 4.5 million African slaves were brought to Brazil, and today, more than 80% of the Bahia population has African ancestry. On the sugarcane plantations of Bahia's interior, samba evolved from African rhythms similar to the way that blues developed on cotton plantations in America's South.
Salvador's music industry revolves around Carnival. Celebrated every year in February with a million people singing, dancing, drinking, and partying for six days and nights on the street.
Afro-Brazilian tourism, ignored by decades, has come far. The state government has assigned a department to promote tourism in Bahia and Salvador to order to show the world this area's fascinating heritage. A trip to Brazil will be greatly enhanced by a tour to Salvador. In addition to the area's fascinating and lively culture, you are sure to enjoy the 30 plus miles (50 km) of beaches, which are perfect for snorkeling, sailing, and surfing.


This guide to Salvador in Brazil's Bahia state was written by a Brazil travel expert at Brazil For Less, available to help you custom design your exciting Brazil vacation.
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