Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion.
Pelourinho is the place to catch live music, particularly on Tuesday and Saturday, when musicians perform at stages dotted across the various squares, from Largo do Terreiro de Jesus to Largo do Pelourinho and up the Ladeiro do Carmo. Saturday’s sunset jazz sessions held at the MAM (Museum of Modern Art) are also a must for music lovers. For action any night of the week, head to the trendy, bohemian neighborhood of Rio Vermelho, where locals catch up over acarajé in squares like Largo da Santana before heading on to experimental performance spaces such as Lálá.
This group, which started out as a Carnival bloco and is renowned as the oldest Afro bloco in Brazil, has turned itself into a dynamic cultural hub. It now has its own school and promotes the study and practice of African heritage, religion, and history. To take part, call ahead to schedule a visit to the school. Contributions are appreciated. Its Carnival camaroteis considered one of the best.
Salvador's best-known percussion group, Olodum, gained international fame when it participated in Paul Simon's "Rhythm of the Saints" tour and recordings. Its vibrant samba-reggae vibe makes it one of Salvador's most popular Carnival schools. Olodum has its own venue, the Casa do Olodum, and performs live shows around town, often on Tuesday or Sunday.
Salvador's largest theater holds classical and popular music performances, operas, and plays.
Founded in 1969, this is one of the most important cultural venues in Salvador, with workshops, music, dance, and theater. Although plays are almost always staged in Portuguese, the production is top quality. It is also the stage for Bando de Teatro Olodum.
