Salvador da Bahia: Brazil Comes to Weston on Thursday February 9

The Council on Aging is bringing Salvador da Bahia to Weston on Thursday, February 9 from 11 am to 12 pm. Join a tour guide on a walking tour (ummm online, obvi) of Pelourinho, what the COA terms as “the old town center” of Salvador, the capital of Bahia, the fourth largest (by population) state of Brazil.

Pelourinho is in fact the old slave auction area of Salvador, a fact not mentioned in the marketing materials. Another fact not mentioned by the COA marketing materials: Brazil was the last western country to abolish slavery which it did in 1888. And a final Owl fact is that Bahia is one of the most wonderful and beautiful places in the world. There is a Brazilian song that goes “I don’t want to say here, I want to go back to Bahia” andt somehow rhymes “here” and “Bahia” which is no small feat. You can find a recording of it here complete with photos of Bahia. Some day if you are lucky, I will tell you about Bahia’s best kept secret which is a beach town named Cumuruxatiba, a place that defies both reason and normal tides.

Back to Salvador, you will never find a place so musical and so religious. It is said that there is a church in Bahia for every day of the year. The owlets and I are all wearing a “fita” or ribbon on our wrists and ankles from Nosso Senhor do Bonfim, who has a church devoted to him. In Salvador, Catholicism blends with Candomblé which is an African-derived religion, and all kinds of fun comes out of that including a church nave with body parts hanging from the ceiling. I did not just make this up. With Brazil, you just have to believe. Or you could read more here.

Also, Oludum, the musical group, is drum happy.

You start tapping your toes and air drumming when you hear and see them. There is no place like Bahia for Carnaval–having spent two Carnavals there as a younger more energetic person, I promise you that the party is unreal. Completely. Basically, you put a musical group on top of tricked-out-with-giant speakers mega-bus and follow around this bus all night long dancing. Sigh. So fun. I remember when I liked crowds of people.

If you don’t have plans to visit Bahia one day, here’s a great way to get a glimpse with the COA:

Join us for a walking tour of the Brazilian municipality of Salvador, known for its deep African roots. Our tour guide will walk us through the historic neighborhood of Pelourinho, its old town center, visit important buildings including Sao Francisco Church, known for its richly adorned interior of carvings and gilt woodwork, and the Escola do Olodum, the center for Samba Reggae of Maestro Neguinho do Samba, the music of Bahia. We will learn about the first black Brazilian civic organization, Sociedade Protetora dos Desvalidos founded in 1832, and its role in fighting for the survival of many people during the post-abolition period. Throughout the tour, we will meet residents, street-food vendors and hear traditional music. The tour will conclude in Pelourinho Square, rich in historical monuments and a place to celebrate Afro-Brazilian culture. Call the COA at 781-786-6280 to register.