The Pelourinho

On Sunday we visited the downtown historic district of Salvador, the Pelourinho, which stands for "whipping post" - as that is what the original square was used for carrying out punishments for crimes and runaway slaves. It grew into a sort of colorful city center and has been protected and revitalized. The colonial architecture is what stands out as well as the bright colors of the buildings. There were also many beautiful chuches that circle the main square. We were only able to tour one, but it was amazing.
It gave us a true taste of "Salvdorian" culture, including the yummy "moqueca" below (shrimp, peppers, onions fried in dende oil from the palm trees).

A cobble stone street scene- if no one else were around you'd think you were in the 1700's! The Afro-Brazilian women traditionally wore the finely made lace light colored dresses seen on the right.

The church we toured, the "Ordem Terciera de Sao Francisco" - the facade is made of carved Spanish sandstone - which our tour guide called "chalk". We couldn't take pics inside, but there was a sanctuary plated in gold - and we even got to go into the crypt!

This is a good example of the buildings and streets. This is the true historical center of the area - the Largo do Pelourinho.







Here is a video of a parade - playing the traditional drum beats and music you hear everywhere here.