One of the most important Afro groups in Brazil, Ilê Aiyê will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first parade through the streets of Salvador in 2025. The milestone took place in 1975, during the military dictatorship, when the group went out to defend the valorization of black identity and show resistance against racism. To commemorate the date and its struggle, the group will bring to this year's Carnival the theme “Kenya: Cradle of Humanity”, in which it highlights the historical and cultural importance of one of the first territories inhabited by human beings. The group will also pay tribute to historical Kenyan figures, such as Dedan Kimathi, Wangari Maathai and Jomo Kenyatta, symbols of resistance against colonial oppression.
01 MAR
Saturday
Leaving ceremony of Terreiro Ilê Acé Jitolú (House of Mother Hilda).
Curuzu Hill – 8pm
First parade
Mother Hilda Circuit – Terreiro towards the Inclined Plane of Freedom
Osmar Circuit
(Campo Grande)
2am
03 MAR
Monday 7pm
Circuito Osmar
(Campo Grande)
04 MAR
Tuesday 7pm
Osmar Circuit
(Campo Grande)
Ilê begins its participation in the festival on Saturday (03/01), with the traditional ceremony of the group's departure from Curuzu. The event is a ritual of faith with the ialorixá of Terreiro Ilê Axé Jitolu, Hildelice Benta dos Santos, opening the paths and blessing the group. On this occasion, the sounds of atabaques and drums mix with the songs of exaltation of ancestry and the orixás on the way up the hill, in addition to the bowls of corn, popcorn and pemba powder, and the white doves dedicated to Oxalá.
After the traditional ritual of the block's exit from Ladeira do Curuzu, the Ilê Aiyê trio continues their celebration to Plano Inclinado da Liberdade. From there, the members take a break until they meet again, hours later, at Corredor da Vitória, where the entity begins its first parade on the official circuit, Circuito Osmar, at 2 am on Sunday (02/03), heading towards Praça da Piedade.
Photo: Joa Souza/GOVBA
On Monday (3/03), at 6 pm, the group will gather at Corredor da Vitória, where the parade will begin at 7 pm at Circuito Osmar, in Campo Grande. Led by the distinctive sound of Band'Aiyê, the group will be accompanied by a procession celebrating the theme of Carnival, with a special highlight being the float that will be transformed into an altar for the newly elected queen and princesses. On Tuesday (4/03), the group will hold its third and final Carnival parade, gathering at 6 pm at Corredor da Vitória and starting at 7 pm at Circuito Osmar.
