Salvador, the vibrant capital of Bahia, is celebrating its 476th anniversary this weekend with a series of exciting events that showcase the city’s rich culture, history, and artistic talent. Founded on March 29, 1549, Salvador was Brazil's first capital and remains the largest city in the Northeast, boasting a population of 2.4 million residents. This year’s festivities promise to be a grand affair, featuring a mix of music, art, sports, and community engagement that reflects the city's diverse heritage.
The anniversary celebrations kicked off with a flourish, highlighted by a remarkable hotel occupancy rate of 87% reported by Mayor Bruno Reis. "This is a historic percentage for the month, showcasing the transformations our city has undergone in recent years," said Reis, emphasizing the significance of the anniversary as a cultural festival. The mayor noted that the city’s birthday has evolved into what is now called the Festival da Cidade, a month-long celebration filled with various activities across different neighborhoods.
The main event is set for Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Praça Municipal, where the show titled 'A Benção, Salvador!' will take center stage. This unique performance will feature prominent artists from the Afro-Brazilian music scene, including Àttooxxá, Larissa Luz, Sued Nunes, Cortejo Afro, Pabllo Vittar, Russo Passapusso, and Rachel Reis. Isaac Edington, president of the Empresa Salvador Turismo, described the event as a special tribute to the city, directed by choreographer Gil Alves. "It will be a momentous occasion for Salvador, celebrating our identity through music and art," he remarked.
In addition to the main show, the celebrations include a variety of performances throughout the weekend. On Friday, March 28, 2025, Praça Municipal will host 'Will Carvalho canta Elis Regina' and 'Ary Barroso na Voz Delas,' featuring Márcia Short, Ellen Wilson, Cátia Guimma, and Elaine Fernandes. These performances are designed to honor the musical legacy of Brazil and engage the local community.
Another highlight will be the 'Volta no Dique' event at Dique do Tororó on Sunday, March 30, at 11 AM. This traditional gathering will feature a procession around the picturesque lagoon, accompanied by live music from local artists, including Ricardo Chaves and Ramon Cruz.
The Fundação Gregório de Mattos (FGM) is also playing a crucial role in the anniversary celebrations with its 8th edition of Movimento Boca de Brasa, running from March 27 to 29. This initiative aims to promote cultural activities across various neighborhoods, ensuring inclusivity and community involvement. The Quarteirão das Artes, located in Barroquinha, will serve as a hub for performances, exhibitions, podcasts, and a creative economy fair, showcasing the talents of Salvador’s artists.
Fernando Guerreiro, president of FGM, highlighted the importance of decentralizing cultural events. “We’re not just focusing on the center; we are bringing cultural support to the outskirts as well. Our goal is to celebrate and empower the creative potential of all communities in Salvador,” he stated.
Sports enthusiasts will also find plenty to enjoy during this festive weekend. The Pedal da Cidade, a cycling event along the Atlantic coast, took place on Sunday, March 23, while the OceanMan swimming competition is scheduled from March 28 to 30. On the same day as the main celebrations, the Salvador 10 Milhas race will see participants running through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Moreover, the XII Semana do Artesão will take place at Praça do Campo Grande from March 26 to 30, showcasing local artisans and their crafts, along with musical performances and cultural activities. This event aims to highlight Salvador’s vibrant creative economy and support local entrepreneurs.
Cultural institutions across the city are also participating in the anniversary festivities by offering special programming. For instance, the Casa das Histórias de Salvador, inaugurated in 2024, will host storytelling sessions that explore the history and culture of the city. Activities at various cultural sites will include adapted tours for neurodivergent visitors, workshops, and film screenings, ensuring accessibility and engagement for all residents.
Throughout the week leading up to the main celebrations, visitors can enjoy a range of events, including the Projeto Sóró at Casa das Histórias, which focuses on storytelling for children, and various accessibility-focused visits at cultural sites. These initiatives are designed to promote inclusivity and provide enriching experiences for all attendees.
As Salvador marks this significant milestone, the city is not just celebrating its past but also looking towards a vibrant future. The collective effort of local authorities, artists, and community members is a testament to the city’s resilience and cultural richness. The 476th anniversary of Salvador is not just an event; it is a celebration of identity, creativity, and the enduring spirit of its people.
In summary, Salvador's 476th anniversary celebrations are set to be a grand showcase of the city's cultural heritage, artistic talent, and community spirit. With a packed schedule of events, performances, and activities, residents and visitors alike are encouraged to partake in the festivities and embrace the joy that defines this historic city.
