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African Heritage
Tours In Brazil
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The State of Bahia and its
capital, Salvador, are very important centers of study of
the immense diaspora to the New World. For over 350 years , the "negreiros"
(slave ships) brought their human cargo from Africa to work in the
plantations and mines of Brazil. They came from Guinea,
Angola, the Congo, and West Africa.
The main port of departure for this
latter cycle was Ouidah in the People's Republic of
Benin (Dahomey). The ships filled with slaves left for the
treacherous Atlantic crossing to Bahia.
Those who survived the journey
faced the grueling work of the mines and plantations that stoked
the Portuguese economy. A bilateral trading of slaves arose due to
the very high value placed on third grade tobacco, prohibited for
sale in Europe, but much sought after by those dealing in slaves
in West Africa. The trading of slaves from West Africa for tobacco
and aguardente from Bahia is the reason for the strong Yoruba
influence in Bahia. |
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Bahia, Africa abounds. Salvador is the most African of the
Brazilian cities with up to 80% of its population of over 2
million people having African origins. The local cuisine,
music, dance forms, and extremely vibrant, visual arts
traditions are all testament to this permeating African influence.
A stroll through the historical Pelourinho section of
Salvador bears this out. Baianas, local women dressed in
traditional costumes, sell a wide variety of food on the street
corners. The "acaraje", or bean dumpling, fried in the oil
of the palm, is a typical African cuisine. |
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| Our tours include a
visit to the Pelourinho, the Afro Brazilian Museum which
houses the art of Bahia's finest artist, Carybe, and the
most beautiful church of Salvador's 360 churches, the
NOSSA SENHORA DO ROSARIO DOS PRETOS. You will gain great
insight into the Mysteries of the CANDOMBLE. In addition,
you will make a side trip to CACHOEIRA, about 60 km from
Salvador. You can also combine your historical tour with side
trips to Rio de Janeiro, and/or the IGUASSU-WATERFALLS. |
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We can arrange excursion group fares to Bahia & other cities in
Brazil.
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Some more pictures!!!
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The SAO FANCISCO
CHURCH in SALVADOR
This 500 year old church is the richest church
in the world (all in gold) |
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Historic old
downtown of Salvador
Pelourinho |
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Another shot of
historic old downtown of Salvador
(Pelourinho) |
Be sure To contact Des Peres Travel
For Any Travel Plans To Brazil
We Know Brazil
Back To The Home Page
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Des Peres Travel
236 Brougham Drive
O'Fallon, MO 63368
Tel (636) 300-1562
Fax (636) 329-8177 |
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