A Modern Brazilian Beat: Today's vibrant social and cultural life is based in large part on African traditions such as
Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion and Capoeira, an African martial art that incorporates music and animated dance.
Traditional African beliefs, brought by slaves, have blended with Catholicism to express possession by spirits, the use of African music and dance, and the identification of West African deities with Catholic saints. Such practices are strongest in former slave areas, such as Bahia in the Northeast. As a volunteer in Salvador, you'll have the opportunity to witness some of these traditions.
The best-known form of popular music is samba, which grew from the rhythm and vocal styles of the Native Americans, Portuguese, and Africans. Samba has come to be particularly associated with the spectacular dance and music competitions that take place each year during the legendary Carnival season.
