Little Africa: African Resistance and Culture in Brazil

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 enslaved 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)