Afro-Brazilian and Culture
Afro-Brazilian travel guide: Salvador and the Recôncavo
Start at Salvador's Museu Afro-Brasileiro (Mon–Fri, 9–5), then take in the Recôncavo's samba de roda and August's Boa Morte festival in Cachoeira.
Afro-Brazilian and Culture
Brazil has the largest population of African descent outside Africa. These guides cover Afro-Brazilian history, festivals, capoeira and quilombo visits, with one rule throughout: communities are hosts, so book through them and pay them directly.
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Afro-Brazilian and Culture
Brazil festival calendar beyond Rio Carnival
Brazil's big festivals in 2027: Bonfim in January, Carnival Feb 6–10, São João, Bumba meu boi and Parintins in late June, Círio de Nazaré in Belém on Oct 10.
Afro-Brazilian and Culture
Capoeira for travelers: where to watch or take a class
Watch capoeira free at Salvador's Arena da Capoeira, or take a class at a Pelourinho school such as the Fundação Mestre Bimba. IPHAN registered the roda in 2008; UNESCO in 2014.
Afro-Brazilian and Culture
Carnival beyond Rio: Salvador, Olinda and Recife
Salvador's 2027 Carnival runs Thursday, Feb 4 to Tuesday, Feb 9 on three street circuits. Olinda and Recife hold free street Carnivals around the national dates of Feb 6–10.
Afro-Brazilian and Culture
Festa Junina and São João: Caruaru and Campina Grande
São João peaks June 24, a Thursday in 2027. Caruaru and Campina Grande run weeks of forró, quadrilha and corn food, much of it free.
Afro-Brazilian and Culture
Visiting a quilombo respectfully: community tourism rules
A quilombo is a living community, not an attraction. Book through the community's own association, as at Quilombo Kalunga in Goiás, and ask what the visit costs and who is paid.