Salvador da Bahia
has an energy and unadorned beauty that few cities can match. Once the
magnificent capital of Portugal’s great New World colony, Salvador is
the country’s Afro-Brazilian jewel. Its brilliantly hued center is a
living museum of 17th- and 18th-century architecture and gold-laden
churches. More importantly, Salvador is the nexus of an incredible arts
movement. Wild festivals happen frequently, with drum corps pounding out
powerful rhythms against the backdrop of colonial buildings almost
daily. At night, capoeira circles form on plazas and open spaces, while
the scent of acarajé (bean and shrimp fritters) and other
African delights fills the evening air. Elsewhere in town, a different
spirit flows through the crowd as religious followers celebrate and
reconnect with African gods at mystical Candomblé ceremonies. In fact,
there’s no other place in the world where descendants of African slaves
have preserved their heritage as well as in Salvador – from music and
religion to food, dance and martial-arts traditions. Aside from the many
attractions within Salvador, gorgeous coastline lies right outside the
city – a suitable introduction to the tropical splendor of Bahia.
As
one of Brazil’s 12 host cities for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Salvador
has undergone significant changes in recent years, including the
development of pedestrian-only promenades in Barra and the construction
of a useful (if limited) Metro line, not to mention the inauguration of
Itaipava Arena Fonte Nova football stadium. Thanks to the influx of
international tourists, public transportation options have improved –
and there's an affordable and user-friendly shuttle running between the
airport and the city.
Комментариев нет:
Отправить комментарий