Colors of Salvador - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Local people have their own habits and mentality. If you do not know the specifics of the worldview of Brazilians, then many things may seem very unusual in Salvador. For example, “jeitinho brasileiro” can be considered the main feature of all citizens. These words can be translated as "the Brazilian style of behavior." However, the word "style" is used in a little pejorative sense in this phrase. This concept covers all areas of Brazilian life. It permeates all layers of society - from beggars to city administration.

It is almost impossible to articulate exactly what “jeitinho brasileiro” means. It includes an easy attitude to life, the ability to get out of a difficult situation with minimal losses, and simply incredible unpunctuality. Perhaps, the phrase "it is not necessary to do something today if it can be postponed for tomorrow" can become the slogan of citizens. Is it worth saying that nothing is done on time with this life approach in Salvador? Moreover, this attitude applies not only to the late arrival of taxi drivers or the delivery agreement not signed on time. Everything is large-scale. The deadline for collecting documents for the post of mayor is extended here. This is due to the fact that the candidates do not provide anything before the appointed date. The broadcast grid of TV channels is being shifted, and the deadline for the construction of apartment buildings and shopping centers is being moved. This is because there is a habit not to worry about current problems and to relate easily to life in the customs of Brazilians. If there is an opportunity to postpone the resolution of the problem for later, then Brazilians will definitely use it. Moreover, it may turn out later that the problem was solved by someone else, and there is nothing to do at all.

The high level of corruption is quite logically resulting from this approach. Many citizens of Salvador believe that the easiest way to find a way out of a difficult situation with the lower losses is a bribe. This is considered quite normal here. This is something like a national distinctive feature. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Keep in mind that walking through the dark streets alone is an extremely bad idea, despite the fact that local residents hate violence and all conflicts are trying to resolve in peace. This is hardly a safe city. So be careful and avoid poorly lit streets. Local people love to communicate. They can talk to you in a queue, on a bus, or in a bank corridor, for example. However, the girl's direct offer to meet is considered extremely indecent.

Do you speak English well and expect to be easy to communicate with the people of Salvador? Unfortunately, if you are retired at least a little from the tourist routes, only knowledge of Spanish can help you. The locals don't speak much English. By the way, don't be surprised that many fair-haired and blue-eyed men and women talk about themselves as native city residents in the third or fourth generation, or even more. Despite the stereotype, not all citizens are dark and black-haired. It is also interesting that the owners of dark brown hair are also called blondes in the local culture.

Don't be surprised when you see a man in flip-flops in an expensive restaurant. Such footwear is considered appropriate not only on the beach here. It is customary to answer only "Tudo" (fine) to the question "Tudo bem?"(Is everything okay?), even if it does not correspond to the truth.

Don't be surprised if someone starts talking about their housekeeper. Even poor families hire a man who comes to clean their houses once or twice a week here. There are two or even three bathrooms in many apartments. You will not see carpets on the floor anywhere. There is also no wallpaper on the walls almost anywhere. This interior design is not accepted here.

The locals are mostly Catholic. Almost 70% of the residents attend church every Sunday. Christmas is the main holiday of the year. A huge diorama with a Christmas story can decorate an entire room on Christmas Eve here. It is called Nacimientos. Gifts from "El Nico" are given to children. He is also called "baby Jesus". 25 men carry a special platform with the image of the country's patron covered with a veil during celebrations in honor of the Savior, El Salvador. The crowd that follows the procession downs the street chants hymns and psalms. El Salvador del Mundo festival takes place in the first week of August. Artists, dancers, and musicians perform on the streets at this time. The opening and closing of the festival is accompanied by a grand costumed procession. Large-scale celebrations also take place during the week before Easter. It's called Semana Santa. Football matches, music, traditional and modern performances of amateur and professional actors on Christian themes take place at this time. Several major fairs and carnivals take place in Salvador throughout the year.