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- Bahia:
Official website: http://www.ba.gov.br
Capital: Salvador
Area: 567,295 km2
Important cities: Feira de Santana, Vitória da Conquista, Itabuna, Ilhéus, Juazeiro
Economy: agriculture, industry (petrochemical), tourism
Climate in Salvador, Bahia
Important newspapers: A Tarde;
Correio da Bahia;
Tribuna da Bahia
The History of Brazil commences in the coast of Bahia, where the first Portuguese arrived.
Salvador was founded in 1534, and became the first capital of Brazil. During the cycles of sugar cane and gold, the government was centralized in Salvador. In the 17th century,
the French and Dutch tried to take Salvador, like they did in other less protected spots, but they failed.
Bahia is one of the states where the black influence was more profound; until today, the "blackness" of the culture is used to attract visitors. Music, dance,
religion, culinary, among others, are fields were the black influence is still strong.
After the economic centers to the south, Bahia lost some importance, but still is an important state. The state has vaste areas of soil good for agriculture and cattle.
The first big reservoirs of Brazilian petroleum were found in Bahia; decades later, a large petrochemical complex was built near Salvador. In recent years, an agressive
politics to attract investments has resulted in new factories (the most modern Ford plant in the world was built in Bahia).
- Carnival in Salvador:
Baianos, the people from Bahia, are known in Brazil as those who most love parties. Almost every event is reason for a party, which should last as long as possible.
Baianos do not deny this fame.
The Brazilian carnival had strong influence from the Africans, and Salvador is the blackest Brazilian city. All the samba schools in Rio must have a block composed only
of baianas, women from Bahia.
So, it is not a surprise that Salvador has one of the best carnivals in Brazil. According to Guinness, with 2,000,000 people (including 800,000 tourists), Salvador has
the largest street carnival in the world.
While in Rio most of the carnival happens in ball-rooms and in the Sambadrome (which require people to pay to participate), in Salvador most events happen in the
streets and beaches, and are free for all. As a consequence, the carnival in Salvador goes on, non-stop, for nearly ten days. Small groups called "blocos" pop up
everywhere in the city, and they are soon followed by locals and tourists.
A tradition of the carnival in Salvador are the "trios eletricos" (electric trio). Back in 1950, two persons, Dodo and Osmar (who today are legends of Brazilian carnival),
put high power speakers on top of a Ford 1929 and drove around town inviting people to follow the rythm; it was a massive success. In 1951, the electric duo was joined by
Temistocles Aragao, and the first Trio Eletrico was formed. Ever since, several trios were formed in Bahia, with much more sound power, on top of much bigger trucks; to
follow a trio eletrico, just join the crowd, mind your ears, and let it go.
Several of the most popular musicians in Brazil are from Bahia, and they do come back for carnival. So, you may come across free shows by Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil,
Daniella Mercury, Gal Costa, Maria Betania and several other singers and groups; a sure presence is of Carlinhos Brown and the Timbalada band, which was made famous by
Paul Simon a few years ago.
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