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Bookmark & shareSalvador's wild festivals combine elements of the sacred and profane, Candomblé and Catholicism. Though Carnaval really steals the show, other festivals, particularly in January and February, flare just as hotly and are possibly even more colorful.
Salvador's Carnaval is the second largest in Brazil and, according to many, the best. Usually held in February or March, it always begins on a Thursday night and concludes the following Wednesday at dawn. In the days between, two million revelers take to the streets to dance, drink and kiss until they drop, get up the next day and do it all again.
Salvador's largest festival outside of Carnaval is the Lavagem do Bonfim (second Thursday in January), which involves a procession and ritual lavagem (washing) of the Igreja NS do Bonfim, followed by an all-night street party.
The Festa de Iemanjá (February 2) is among Candomblé's most important festivals, when devotees of the orixá Iemanjá - the goddess of the sea and fertility - descend on Praia Rio Vermelho to make offerings.
Throughout the year, the Pelourinho fairly explodes every Tuesday night in a mini-street festival called Terça da Bencão (Blessing Tuesday).
Browse by Month
January
Processão do Senhor Bom Jesus dos Navegantes
Jan 1
festival/event
Festa da Lapinha
Jan 6
festival/event
Lavagem do Bonfim
2nd Thu in Jan
festival/event
Festa de São Lázaro
last Sun in Jan
festival/event
Lavagem do Bonfim (Salvador)
2nd Thu in Jan
festival/event
Ano Novo (New Year's Day)
Jan 1
official holiday
New Year's Day
Jan 1
official holiday
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