Salvador Carnival, one of the world’s biggest and most famous, brings out the best of Afro-Brazilian music and dance. The spectacle of the religious groups, known as Afoxé societies, is one of the most striking elements of the celebration.
A far cry from the polished glitz and glamour of Rio de Janeiro’s carnival and the accompanying media feeding frenzy, Salvador has the sultry, intoxicating atmosphere of a true Brazilian street party.
One of the more renowned Afoxé societies at the Salvador Carnival are the Filhos de Gandhy, or Sons of Gandhi. Dressed in the white tunics and blue turbans of their West African ancestors, these members make up one of the many Afro Blocos. Members can number in the hundreds. Tight syncopated drumming with catchy rhythms make it impossible not to dance.
Trios Electricos – large bands that play music close in style to the Afro Blocos through enormous sound systems – dominate the floats at Salvador Carnival, so if percussion, Latin music or just letting your hair down is your thing, then head down to Salvador on Brazil’s north-east coast.