In major cultural expressions, in rhythms and dances, in gastronomy, in visual arts, in architecture, in religiosity and in the construction of our history, the historical influence of the black population is present throughout Brazil.
Do you want to know more? Explore some destinations that preserve the memory of the African heritage from the past and will amaze you with the presence of contemporary Afro-Brazilian culture.
Recife
The roots of Afro-Brazilian culture are deeply intertwined in the architecture, churches, and stories that permeate the streets of Recife. The historic center of the city is home to important landmarks for the black community, such as the statue of Zumbi dos Palmares, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black Men, and São Pedro Square, which hosts various events aimed at celebrating Afro-Brazilian culture in Recife.
Visit the Afro-Brazilian Museum, where fascinating exhibits reveal the vital contribution of African culture to the formation of Brazilian identity. From historical artifacts to contemporary expressions of the African diaspora, this museum is a window into the richness of Afro-Brazilian heritage.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Maracatu, an Afro-Brazilian cultural manifestation that involves music, dance, and colorful costumes. During Carnival, Maracatu is a burst of energy and celebration, but throughout the year, local groups offer performances that provide an authentic immersion into Afro-Brazilian rhythms.
At the São José Market, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and acquire local handicrafts that incorporate elements of black culture. From colorful embroideries to ceramic objects, you will find unique souvenirs that tell stories of ancestral traditions.
Recife is also one of the main gastronomic hubs in the Northeast. The Pernambuco coast offers visitors various options of typical foods. With African influences, many recipes have been adapted with ingredients found in the region, featuring dishes made with seafood and the traditional goat meat. The local cuisine is unique in colors, aromas, and flavors.
Discover the roots of African heritage in Brazil by enjoying all the wonders that Recife has to offer.
Rio de Janeiro
Afro-Brazilian culture is very strong in Rio de Janeiro, in places like the territory of “Little Africa” in the Port Zone of Rio de Janeiro, but also in the hills that produced and in the suburbs that organized the famous samba schools.
In Little Africa, the Valongo Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands out as a significant landmark in Afro-Brazilian history. The Suspended Garden of Valongo offers breathtaking panoramic views, while the Pretos Novos Institute, dedicated to preserving and researching Afro-Brazilian history, is a must-visit spot contributing to a deep understanding of this cultural legacy.
Memory and cultural heritage come together in visits to the Quilombo da Pedra do Sal,
where you can experience traditional samba and revisit the history of black resistance in the city. Exploring the Rio de Janeiro samba schools is an incredible and unmissable experience, accessing the backstage of the greatest show on Earth, celebrating Afro-Brazilian culture by showcasing the genuine creativity of various professionals, costume designers, art directors, samba musicians, and thousands of artisans.
Speaking of samba, this destination is also musical, producing rhythms and internationally revered artists. In addition to the rhythm that is a symbol of the country, also experience other cultural expressions that mark the Afro-Brazilian influence on the city’s culture, such as choro, bossa-nova, and baile funk.
The cultural and cosmopolitan melting pot of Rio de Janeiro has created a unique gastronomy that brings hints of the city’s laid-back atmosphere and Carioca lifestyle. Feijoada, the city’s symbolic dish, is the hallmark of African contributions to Brazilian cuisine.
Salvador
Salvador is recognized for being the center of Afro-Brazilian culture, and this aspect is reflected on every corner of the city, in its cuisine and rhythms. As the first capital of Brazil, Salvador, the main city and capital of the state of Bahia, carries centuries-old traces in the memory of a nation in formation and a vibrant present that blends African heritage with modernity in the blackest city outside of the African continent.
The culture is effervescent in this city, particularly in the celebration and valorization of the Afro-Brazilian population and their roots. This is evident in various cultural manifestations in the most festive city in the country.
Carnival, the world’s largest street party, takes over the city’s streets during the month of February. Afro “blocos”, carnival groups that parade their African heritage, attract thousands of people to the streets, as do the “trio elétricos” that showcase prominent Brazilian music artists, notably Axé, a Bahian rhythm that combines the modernity of the electric guitar with the beat of the “terreiros”. More recently, the city has also hosted major festivals that celebrate black culture, such as Afropunk and the Salvador Afro Capital Festival, bringing a touch of modernity to this city of traditions and roots.
The history of Brazil is directly linked to Salvador, especially in the Historic Center, in the Pelourinho neighborhood, deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There, you’ll see old colonial houses infused with a vibrant vision of Afro-Brazilian culture. Craftsmanship, fashion, and gastronomy bring life to this landmark of the past. Near the center is the Elevador Lacerda, a city symbol, offering a panoramic view of the Bay of All Saints that bathes part of its coast. On the way from Pelourinho to the Elevador, you may encounter capoeira circles in the city’s squares.
A variety of museums telling this story highlight Salvador’s relevance to national culture. The MUNCAB, Afro-Brazilian Culture Museum, reflects the connection between Brazil and Africa, a result of the diaspora.
At the center of the practice of African-derived religions in the country, spaces like Parque Pedra de Xangô or the “terreiros” dedicated to African gods symbolize the resistance of the Afro-Brazilian people.
Brazilian religious syncretism, central to Salvador’s culture, is symbolized by the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, where believers make promises and tie colorful ribbons on the gate as a symbol of faith, creating a beautiful, colorful, and poetic scene. In the Church of Nossa Senhora do Rosário dos Pretos, masses are accompanied by ”atabaques” (typical afro-brazilian drums), bringing Afro-Brazilian culture to the center of this religious spectacle.
Bahian cuisine is an attraction itself. In Pelourinho or the Santo Antônio Além do Carmo neighborhood, restaurants serve traditional moquecas and other regional dishes like vatapá. Upscale restaurants in the Rio Vermelho district blend local cuisine with international influences, while street food, symbolized by acarajés served by traditional Baianas, adds to the culinary experience.
At night, the city pulses with energy and emotion, with parties fueled by its traditional rhythms, especially axé, pagode, and samba-reggae. The city is the birthplace of famous artists, and live shows and dance performances are common in various venues.
Source: visitbrasil.com