CACHOEIRA, BAHIA

Cachoeira is an inland town located on the River Paraguaçu in the Reconcavo area of the Bay of All Saints. Historically it was an important center for agriculture, exporting sugar, cotton and tobacco. In the early 19th century, Cachoeira was the site of Bahia’s declaration of independence and citizens of Cachoeira fought the Portuguese in that historic struggle. Today Cachoeira continues to be an important regional market and is a center of Candomblé, the African Brazilian religion. Cachoeira is home to the Sisterhood of the Good Death, the Irmandade da Boa Morte, which celebrates a special festival each August. The images of Candomblé and of local history provide inspiration to popular woodcarvers in the town.