From Markets, Cigars and Samba – a taste of Bahia

Cachoeira is the area of the state of Bahia in Brazil where the majority of the slaves entered the country. It has been said that Bahia boasts one of the largest concentrations of people of African descent in the world, second only to Nigeria. A tour of the Cachoeira area is not to be missed when visiting Bahia and is a little more than an hour by car from Salvador. It will provide you with a different side of Bahia than the urban pace and beautiful beaches of Salvador. Start in the market – Feira Popular in the small town Santo Amaro da Purificacao. Filled with beautiful chapels and buildings, it is a great place to see culture and learn a little of Bahia history. Here you will find everything from clothes and fresh food products to handmade cigars. Cachoeira is central to Afro-Brazillian history and the city has a museum that helps to highlight and tell the story of the slave trade in Brazil. You can also visit the sisterhood of the Boa Morte or visit a cigar factory and see the women hand roll cigars in front of you dressed in historical Bahian clothes.

We have done it all during a trip to Bahia and we share some of our views here.