
Major Events & Festivals in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
1. Carnaval de Salvador
Largest street carnival in Brazil, showcasing samba schools and colorful parades.
- Authentic Samba Experience: Experience the roots of Rio's Carnaval in a more traditional setting.
- Costume and Dance Lessons: Learn local samba moves and make your own carnival costume.
- Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Brazilian culture through music, dance, and food.
2. Festa de São João
Huge celebration on June 24th, featuring fireworks, music, and traditional dances.
- Unique Traditions: Participate in unique traditions like throwing garlic at the moon.
- Local Cuisine: Try traditional dishes such as vatapá and moqueca during the festival.
- Nighttime Festivities: Enjoy a night filled with lively music, fireworks, and revelry.
3. Boitumindí – Festival Indígena de Cultura Afro-Bahiana
Celebration of indigenous and African cultural heritage in Salvador.
- Cultural Exchange: Learn about the rich cultural history of Salvador's indigenous and African communities.
- Diverse Performances: Enjoy a variety of music, dance, and art performances from different cultures.
- Interactive Workshops: Participate in hands-on workshops focusing on traditional arts and crafts.
4. Festa Junina
June festival featuring games, food, and traditionally dressed characters like the 'juninha' and 'moça de coco'
- Local Food and Games: Try traditional foods like corn on the cob, candies, and sweetened coffee.
- Costume Encounters: Meet and interact with people dressed in traditional festival attire.
- Community Spirit: Experience the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a Brazilian community celebration.
5. Festa da Umbanda
Spiritual festival honoring African deities and celebrating the syncretism of African, indigenous, and Christian traditions.
- Religious Experience: Join in prayer and ritual ceremonies led by experienced 'umbandistas'.
- Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into Brazil's complex spiritual heritage.
- Community Bonding: Participate in drum circles, dancing, and fellowship with the local community.
6. Feira de São Joaquim
Large market selling traditional food, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Authentic Shopping Experience: Purchase unique, locally made crafts and souvenirs.
- Tasty Food Options: Savor traditional Bahian dishes like acarajé, moqueca, and pirão.
- Local Interaction: Engage with local vendors and learn about their products and traditions.
7. Festival de Inverno
Winter festival featuring music, art, and cultural events.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover the artistic side of Salvador through various exhibitions and performances.
- Community Events: Attend events organized by local communities showcasing their unique traditions.
- Warm Weather Experience: Enjoy the cooler, mild winter weather in Salvador during this festival.
8. Festival da Cidade Feliz – Salvador Capitália das Américas
Celebration of happiness and peace in the city of Salvador.
- Positive Vibes: Participate in activities promoting positivity, joy, and unity.
- Local Art and Music: Enjoy performances by local artists and musicians.
- Community Involvement: Contribute to the festival through volunteer opportunities or collaborative projects.
9. Feira do Divino Espírito Santo
Market fair dedicated to the Divino Espírito Santo (Holy Ghost) tradition.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the deep-rooted spirituality of Salvador's culture.
- Unique Traditions: Participate in traditional activities such as 'blessing of the water' and processions.
- Local Food and Crafts: Sample local foods and purchase handmade crafts during the fair.
10. Feira do Feliz Natal
Christmas market featuring traditional food, music, and crafts.
- Authentic Christmas Experience: Immerse yourself in a traditional Brazilian Christmas celebration.
- Tasty Treats: Try traditional Christmas sweets and savory dishes during the fair.
- Local Craftsmanship: Purchase unique handmade crafts created by local artisans.
11. Festival de Música Popular Brasileira (MPB)
Music festival showcasing Brazilian popular music.
- Live Music Performances: Enjoy live performances by renowned Brazilian musicians.
- Cultural Understanding: Gain insight into the evolution and diversity of Brazilian music.
- Community Bonding: Connect with fellow music lovers from around the world.
12. Festival da Canção Nordestina (FCN)
Music festival featuring Northeastern Brazilian music.
- Local Music Experience: Discover the unique sounds and rhythms of Northeastern Brazil.
- Live Performances: Enjoy live performances by local artists showcasing their regional music.
- Cultural Exchange: Interact with fellow festival attendees and share your own musical tastes.
13. Festival Internacional de Cinema de Salvador (FICSS)
International film festival showcasing both Brazilian and international films.
- Cultural Exchange: Discover new perspectives through a diverse selection of films.
- Meet Filmmakers: Network with filmmakers and industry professionals during Q&A sessions and workshops.
- Cinematic Exploration: Experience the latest in filmmaking technology and techniques.
14. Festival Internacional de Teatro de Bahia (FITBAHIA)
International theater festival featuring both local and international productions.
- Cultural Immersion: Explore the rich world of live theater from various cultures.
- Artistic Collaboration: Collaborate with artists and theatre practitioners during workshops and masterclasses.
- Innovative Performances: Enjoy innovative and thought-provoking performances by talented theater companies.
15. Festival Internacional de Dança de Bahia (FIDBAHIA)
International dance festival showcasing various styles of dance from around the world.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience diverse dance cultures and share your own with fellow attendees.
- Artistic Collaboration: Collaborate with dancers and choreographers during workshops and masterclasses.
- Innovative Performances: Enjoy innovative and thought-provoking dance performances by talented companies.