home > locations > brazil
Brazil
Salvador da Bahia
Salvador da Bahia, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has the Portuguese colonial architecture, which reflects the "founders" of the city. However, the rhythm and heart of the city lies in the heritage of the descendants of African slaves who were brought here to develop one of the most important cities in Latin America in he 19th century. Now, Salvador is the center of Afro-Brazilian culture. In fact, there is no other place in the world where African roots are preserved as well across the whole culural landscape of the city including music, religion, food, dance, and martial arts traditions. African descendants in the city still perform rituals for African gods at Candomble ceremonies and dance capoeira, a stylized martial art that was disguised as a dance for the benefit of slave owners.
However, the state of Bahia has not benefited from the economic success of Brazil over the past decade and continues to be one of the poorest states in the country.
Social and Development Issues
Bahia continues to be one of the poorest states in the entire country, and Salvador, it's capital, is the 4th largest city in the country with one of the largest ports. However, spread throughout the city are favellas, shanty towns for poor families who have not benefited from Brazil's massive economy. Many of these families work, but cannot afford the inflated prices that development has brought to Brazil.
Weather
Located on the northeast coast, Salvador's temperatures are warm year-round - with days reaching 31 C (88 F). Compared to Rio de Janeiro, Salvador's weather is less humid with tropical breezes coming from th ocean. The rainy season runs from mid-December to July.
Get the Newsletter
"ProPeru was a life changing experience for me. When I came I wasn't really sure who I was or where I wanted to be in the future but after what I have seen and done with ProPeru I have a clearer picture.” - Rebecca
Copyright © 1998 – 2010