Pelourinho: The Heartbeat of Salvador's Cultural Heritage

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeTchau
  [chow]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado(a)
  [oh-bree-gah-doh(ah)]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/dehs-kool-peh]
• How are you?Como vai?
  [koh-moh vah-ee]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Você fala inglês?
  [voh-seh fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandEu não entendo
  [eh-oo now ehn-tehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEu gostaria de ver o cardápio, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr ooh kahr-dah-pyoo/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatEu não como carne
  [eh-oo now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sah-oo-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEu gostaria de pagar, por favor
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Ajuda!
  [ah-zhoo-dah]
• Go away!Vá embora!
  [vah ehm-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-mee ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-mee oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido(a)
  [eh-stoh pehr-dee-doh(ah)]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [eh-stoh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Eu gostaria de comprar...
  [eh-oo goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só olhando
  [eh-stoh soh oh-lyahn-doh]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [kwahn-too koos-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh mwee-toh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?Você pode baixar o preço?
  [voh-seh poh-deh bigh-shahr ooh preh-soh]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sah-oh]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh oo-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meio-dia e meia (10)
  [may-oh jee-ah ee may-ah (10)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noy-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehn]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-jee]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-ees]
• 3Três
  [trehs]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [say-ees]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [deh-z]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kwahl eh oo ehn-deh-reh-soh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Você pode me mostrar (no mapa)?
  [voh-seh poh-deh meh moh-strahr (noh mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (ônibus)?
  [kwahn-doo eh oo proh-ksee-moh (oh-nee-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom beel-yeh-teh (pah-rah)]

Pelourinho, the historic heart of Salvador, was established during the early 16th century as the first capital of Brazil. Founded by the Portuguese in 1549, it became a vital center for the sugar trade, which was the backbone of the colonial economy. The area is characterized by its colonial architecture, with colorful buildings that reflect the wealth generated from the sugar plantations.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Pelourinho became notorious for its role in the transatlantic slave trade. The name 'Pelourinho' itself translates to 'pillory,' a reference to the public punishment of enslaved people. This dark chapter significantly shaped the cultural landscape of Salvador, leading to the rich Afro-Brazilian culture that is celebrated today. The influence of African traditions can be seen in the music, dance, and religious practices that permeate the neighborhood.

The 18th century brought a wave of Baroque architecture to Pelourinho, with the construction of several important churches, including the Church of São Domingos and the Church of the Third Order of Saint Francis. These structures not only served religious purposes but also became symbols of the wealth and power of the colonial elite. The intricate designs and artwork within these churches reflect the fusion of European and African artistic traditions.

By the 19th century, Pelourinho experienced a decline as the city expanded and economic activities shifted. Many of the historic buildings fell into disrepair. However, in the 20th century, efforts began to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site. Restoration projects were initiated, and Pelourinho was revitalized as a cultural and tourist destination, showcasing its historical significance and vibrant street life.

Today, Pelourinho is recognized as a cultural epicenter of Salvador. It hosts numerous festivals, including the famous Carnival, and is home to various museums, art galleries, and cultural institutions that celebrate its rich history. The neighborhood continues to be a focal point for Afro-Brazilian culture, with lively performances of capoeira and samba echoing through its cobblestone streets.

Pelourinho is easily accessible from various neighborhoods in Salvador. If you're arriving from the Airport, take a taxi or an Uber for a direct route, which takes around 30-40 minutes. From the Barra neighborhood, you can take the Line 2 subway to the Campo da Pólvora station and then walk or take a taxi to Pelourinho, which is about a 15-minute walk. Local buses also connect Pelourinho with other neighborhoods like Ribeira and Santo Antonio, but be mindful of the bus schedules.

Pelourinho is a pedestrian-friendly area with many attractions within walking distance. The cobblestone streets are best navigated on foot. There are also bicycle rental services available if you prefer to cycle. For longer distances, local taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber are accessible. Be cautious with public transport options, as they can be crowded and less secure.

While Pelourinho is a popular tourist destination, it is essential to remain vigilant. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night and stay away from the areas surrounding the Praça da Sé after dark, as they are known for higher crime rates targeting tourists. Always keep your belongings secure and consider using a money belt.

In case of emergency, dial 190 for police assistance or 192 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is Hospital Geral do Estado da Bahia, located approximately 10 minutes away by taxi. It is advisable to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies. For minor health issues, visit a local pharmacy, which can also provide over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, as streets are cobblestoned. When visiting churches, do dress modestly. Don't wear overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; always cover your shoulders and knees when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Olá' and a smile. Don't be overly formal, as Bahia culture is quite relaxed. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like acarajé and moqueca. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Pelourinho like a local, visit the Mercado Modelo for authentic Bahian crafts and foods. Join a capoeira class or watch a performance in the streets, as it is a significant part of local culture. Attend a Candomblé ceremony if possible, but ensure you are respectful and follow any guidelines. Don't hesitate to engage with local artists and musicians; they are often eager to share their stories and traditions.