Salvador honours victims of the slave trade
The painful history of millions of enslaved Africans who were illegally shipped to the port city of Salvador in northeastern Brazil came back into focus on Sunday as the world marked the International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
From the 16th century onwards, Salvador served as a major entry point for enslaved Africans, millions of whom were forced to disembark and work on local sugarcane plantations. Today, the city stands as a stark reminder of that brutal past.
At the heart of this history lies the Pelourinho square. The name Pelourinho derives from the Portuguese word for "pillory" or whipping post. During the colonial era, this central square served as the main slave market and a site of public punishment and torture of enslaved Africans. "Because thousands of African slaves died there, everyone calls this place 'Pelourinho'," says Marco Gomes, who has worked as a guide in this square for over two decades.
Today, the site has become a vibrant landmark showcasing Afro-Brazilian culture. However, the uneven cobblestone streets beneath visitors' feet still silently bear witness to a heavy and indelible history.
Gomes noted that many of the iconic buildings in Salvador's old town were built brick by brick by enslaved Africans. The transformation of Salvador from tropical forest into a sprawling city was driven by their sweat and sacrifice. Historical records show that Brazil received the largest number of enslaved Africans on the American continent. More than 5 million Africans were brought to the country, with the port of Salvador alone receiving over 1 million. The city was the first major hub of the transatlantic slave trade in the Americas.
For Telma Bayana, a local resident who has lived in Salvador's old town for over half a century, Pelourinho is much more than a tourist site. It is a repository of family memories and national trauma. Her ancestors were among the enslaved people who endured immense hardship on this very soil.
"My great-grandfather was a descendant of enslaved people, and he lived right here. Over there, that was where they used to execute and sell enslaved people. I have known this history since early childhood. I think it is extremely important to preserve the history of Pelourinho, and it is equally important that the younger generation learns about it," said Bayana.
Today, Pelourinho square has become an important centre of Afro-Brazilian culture. Just steps away is the Afro-Brazilian Museum, which showcases the rich cultural elements and heritage of Afro-Brazilians, as well as the injustices they suffered.
"Slavery is an unpleasant memory that we do not want to keep, but the pain of history must be remembered. Only then can we avoid repeating the past and ensure it is never forgotten," said Marcelo Cunha, a museum staff member.
