Voices of Black Travelers: Testimonials from Those Who’ve Experienced Brazil
- Lia
- 10 de dez.
- 3 min de leitura
Brazil is a land of stunning natural beauty, vibrant culture, and profound Afro-Brazilian heritage. For Black travelers, visiting Brazil is not only a journey of exploration but often a deeply personal experience that connects them to history, resilience, and celebration of Black culture. Here, we share testimonials from Black travelers who’ve visited Brazil and the impact the journey had on their lives.
Selena from Atlanta, USA
“Visiting Salvador felt like coming home. From the cobblestone streets of Pelourinho to the sound of samba and the rhythm of capoeira, I saw reflections of my ancestors everywhere. Walking through the Mercado Modelo and seeing artisans create beautiful Afro-inspired works was emotional. The warmth of the people and the richness of Afro-Brazilian culture made this trip unforgettable.”
Selena recommends attending a Candomblé ceremony or a bloco afro parade to witness the vibrant spirituality and unity of Afro-Brazilian communities.
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Kwame from London, UK
“Brazil shattered every stereotype I had before arriving. Rio de Janeiro’s Afro-Brazilian neighborhoods like Madureira showed me how Black culture thrives in the city’s music, food, and traditions. The samba schools, the feijoadas, and the roda de samba sessions felt like a celebration of our shared heritage. But beyond the festivities, visiting places like Gamboa, where the Valongo Wharf stands as a reminder of the transatlantic slave trade, was a sobering moment of reflection.”
Kwame suggests combining cultural experiences with moments of relaxation on Rio’s lesser-known beaches like Praia da Joatinga for a holistic trip.
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Amahle from Johannesburg, South Africa
“As a South African, the quilombos resonated with me on a deep level. I visited Quilombo do Campinho, where descendants of escaped enslaved people live and preserve their heritage. The hospitality, the traditional foods, and the stories of resilience shared by the locals were incredibly moving. It reminded me of the spirit of Ubuntu—community and togetherness.”
Amahle advises Black travelers to take guided tours led by Afro-Brazilian historians to gain a deeper understanding of Brazil’s Black heritage.
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Darnell from Chicago, USA
“Bahia’s energy is unmatched. As a foodie, I was blown away by dishes like acarajé and moqueca, which are steeped in Afro-Brazilian traditions. The Balé Folclórico da Bahia performance was breathtaking—watching the orixás come to life through dance and music was something I’ll never forget. This trip reminded me of how our culture transcends borders.”
Darnell recommends immersing yourself in Salvador’s nightlife, especially the bars and live music venues in Rio Vermelho.
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Chinwe from Lagos, Nigeria
“Brazil felt familiar yet different. The syncretism of Catholicism and African spirituality in Salvador’s churches and Candomblé terreiros was fascinating. It reminded me of how our ancestors adapted to survive. The Festival of Boa Morte was a highlight—watching Afro-Brazilian women honor their ancestors through powerful rituals left me in awe.”
Chinwe encourages travelers to time their visit with local festivals like Boa Morte or Lavagem do Bonfim to witness Afro-Brazilian traditions at their peak.
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