Pelourinho

05.06.2012

It’s easy to think that slavery is of the past and that it doesn’t have particular relevance in day-to-day life. In Salvador, that’s far from the truth as ancestors of the oppressed still struggle with poverty, discrimination, and acceptance of their heritage. Today after class we spent time in the Pelourinho, the main square of the historic district. It actually means “whipping post,” and that’s what happened to slaves here. Today, the Pelourinho area is beautiful, with colonial architecture from the Portuguese, Spanish, and Dominicans (all built by slaves, of course), tapestries for sale on the street depicting life in Bahia, and samba-reggae from every corner. The Pelourinho is, albeit, a bit touristy and for a time was on the brink of gentrification but from my first glimpse it is incredibly vibrant despite its past.  Didá, the group I start working with tomorrow, is located in the Pelourinho. Drumming is central to the project with the credo that music transforms from within. Women and children of color, negros, (which is not derogatory here) have the opportunity to be a part of something positive that starts with their ancestral roots and grows out into the community to build self-esteem, skills, and solidarity. I’m excited to start working with Didá tomorrow!