May 2nd: Candomblé and Free Afternoon!

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Hello everyone! 

It’s our second to last day in Salvador. The festivities today included a visit to a Candomblé center, participation in a traditional Candomblé ceremony, strolling a market, and individual free-time. 

The history of Candomblé is rich and my understanding of it is very basic. But I will try my best to provide y’all with the basics. Candomblé is a type of religion inspired by traditional African culture with Catholic influence. The religion was created by enslaved Africans in Brazil because slaves were not permitted to practice their own religion but they could with Catholicism. So, Candomblé emerged as a method to continue the teachings of African mythology, culture, and language. Our adventures in Salvador have had sprinkles of Candomblé but nothing compared to being immersed (albeit temporarily) in the center. The center was founded in 1910 by Eugênia Anna Dos Santos-Oba Biyi, a freed slave. It was the first community in Brazil that was owned by a black individual because before 1888 it was illegal for them to acquire/own property. It was incredible to have the opportunity to visit such an amazing and important area in Salvador. 

After a short walking tour of the center, we made our way to the themple of Oaxa, the God of fire. Upon entry we were asked to take off our shoes and wait in a small area until the elders were ready. The ceremony started with townspeople bringing in food offerings to a small shrine-like area. It was almost impossible to observe the ceremony in full because the waiting space was so small and it was packed wall-to-wall with people (including other tourists). After some time the room began to empty enough where I could see what was going on. Each person prayed to Oaxa , the mother, and the father. Following the ceremony everyone gathered outside the temple for food, music, and a little dancing. It was unlike any religious event I have ever experienced and was utterly amazing. 

After we mingled, we hopped on the shuttle bus and went to Mercado Modelo That was when we broke up as a group and did our own things. Personally, I had lunch then strolled around the market. Lesson of the day: don’t stroll too slowly or you’ll be approached and swindled into buying overpriced handicrafts. 


All in all, it was a great day to spent in lovely Salvador, Brazil. 

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