Carnival in Salvador

For at least five days of the Bahian summer, dozens of trios elétricos-roving sound systems with a stage on top, Carnival groups of all shapes and sizes, Afro-Brazilian percussion groups and Afoxés invade the streets of the Old City, downtown and the coast road of Salvador to participate in the largest festival of its kind in the world. Crowds of revelers are concentrated in two main circuits: the most traditional from Pelourinho to Campo Grande and on the coast road from Barra Lighthouse to Ondina.

Officially, Carnival begins on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday with the Procession of King Momo who receives the keys to the city from the mayor and declares the Carnival open. In Campo Grande VIP booths and bleachers are set up to give participants a better view of the floats and Carnival groups as they parade by. Judges rate the groups and then choose the best of Carnival in a variety of categories. For the last few years the most popular music during Carnival has been Bahia's own Axé music. Of course, there is always a wide range of musical styles to enjoy, each with own special dance. The parade of the most famous Afoxé, Filhos de Gandhi, one of the oldest and most traditional, is perhaps one of the most moving moments of Carnival Week.