You can hear the furious roar of drums coming from miles away as cobblestones move slightly out of place beneath your feet. The drumming kids are coming. Let's just hope the century-old buildings of Salvador can withstand yet another parade.

While São Paulo enjoys a reputation as Brazil’s financial engine, and Rio takes the trophy for perhaps the most beautiful city in the world, Bahia is best known for its vibrant culture. One local expression perfectly reflects the artistic verve of Bahians: Here people aren't born, they premiere.

Nowhere is this celebration of culture more evident than Salvador, capital city of the state of Bahia. Something in this place elicits creativity. It might have to do with the