Festa de Iemanja : all day long on the 2nd of February, Bahians dressed in white descend on the beach of Rio Vermelho to render homage and give offerings to the sea goddess.
Lavagem do Bonfim : the second Thursday of January, Bahians in traditional dress sing and brush the steps of the church. This is in honour of Oxala, the candomblé high deity, whose image is syncretised with that of Jesus Christ.
Carnaval : the world’s biggest street fair. Millions of participants gyrate their way in a trance, following the “trios electricos” making music sound with devilish rhythms. In 2009 the Carnival will take place from 19 till 24 February.
Every Tuesday from 6pm the Pelourinho comes alive with percussion groups rehearsing for the carnival, which you can watch parading through the streets.
Festas Juninas : The Festival of Saint John lasting the entire month of June is Bahia's most popular celebration after its carnival. Very important throughout the northeast of the country but little known to foreign visitors, these peasant celebrations transform Salvador's historic centre. The Pelourinho overflows with stands serving the food and drink traditionally consumed during such festivities, immensely colourful decorations, music and dancing, and everyone dresses up in peasant costume to take part in the numerous street dances. This delightfully good-natured celebration takes you to the heart of Brazil's rural traditions.
