Brazil’s
first capital still preserves its strong African influence that permeates its
food, music, dance and religion. With the history alive and well in the
streets, alleys and hills that marks the start of Portuguese colonization, the
city possesses a rich archive of architectural and religious works, which can
be found in its historic center, known as the Pelourinho.
View of harbor area in Salvador - Photo by Adam Jones
The baroque interior of St. Francis Church - photo by Fernando Dellacqua
The traditional snack namesd "acarajé", made by "baianas"
Famous for its street
carnival, with the great singers of Axé music, the biggest city in the
Brazilian Northeast also has an ocean coast blessed with beautiful beaches
surrounded by coconut palms.
Oludum musical group during carnival in Salvador,BA
Itapuã beach - photo by Cristõvão Santos
The classic Ba-Vi game is the highlight of the dispute between the two
favorite rival teams by Salvador residents. Both Bahia and Vitória compete
fiercely at the state level.
Bahia is famous for its faithfulness to its fans, who put it as the
owner of one of the largest fan bases in Brazil, which won the trophy of
Brazilian Champion in 1988, and the Taça Brasil in 1959.
Vitória in turn has won three titles in the Northeastern Cup, and one of
vice-champion of the Brazilian Championship in 1993, after being beaten in the
final match by Palmeiras. The Leão (lion), as Vitória is also known, already
produced such stars and world champs like the forward Bebeto and the goalie
Dida.
The novelty to Bahian football will be the Fonte Nova Arena, a multiuse
stadium that will house 50 thousand seats and will receive the match between Brazil and Italy for the 2013 Confederations Cup on June 22, 2013.
Arena Fonte Nova - photo from www.fifa.com
Salvador will receive at least three
of the main teams that sealed a spot to participate in 2014 World Cup. In the first
phase, the city will host four games. In three of them, key players from their
groups will be on the field. The Bahian capital will also host an elimination
game in the round of 16, and one of the quarter finals.
