Little Africa: African Resistance and Culture in Brazil
We were inspired to start when Luana returned to Brazil after living in Ireland for a year and immersing herself in local life. During her time in Europe, she had the opportunity to travel and learn about many countries and cultures. On every trip, whenever she visited a new city, the first thing she sought out was a “free walking tour”. When she returned to Brazil and couldn't find one in Rio de Janeiro, our travel agency was born, in July 2013. With 11 years in the market, we continue to share our passion! Free Walker has evolved and grown since then. Today, we offer tours in Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, and Salvador. We prioritize quality in interactive and enjoyable tours, aiming to change the way tours are organized in Brazil and improve their quality. Welcome! It would be a pleasure to have you join us!
Pickup
Our meeting point is Praça Mauá, in front of MAR (Rio Art Museum) - 10 minutes walking from "Uruguaiana" metro station or accessible by Uber or close to VLT station of "Parada dos Museus"
Description
When visiting Brazil, it’s impossible not to talk about the influence of Africa on our culture! Just imagine samba, capoeira, or feijoada, the things that Brazil is known for in the world. All these things have their roots in the African slave communities of Brazil! Learn stories about how the Brazilian cultural identity was formed during the years since slavery times until today. Meanwhile, visit important historical & contemporaneous landmarks in this less-visited area of downtown Rio de Janeiro!
Small Africa is the historic home of the Afro-Brazilian community in the Port Region of Rio de Janeiro. The region became known as Little Africa after the slave trade was made illegal in Brazil in 1831 (although the abolition of slavery did not take place until 50 years later). Between 1850 and 1920, freed slaves remained working in the region. Blacks and freed Africans from Bahia or the interior traveled to Little Africa in search of work and a sense of community. Today the area is known as a place of the black resistance.
Places we will cover:
- Praça Mauá
- MAR - Rio Art Museum
- Museu do Amanhã
- Eduardo Kobra Ethnicities Graffiti
- Largo São Francisco da Prainha
- São Francisco da Prainha Church
- Conceição Hill
- Salt Stone (Pedra do Sal)
- Cais do Valongo (Valongo Wharf)