Where Health Meets History: Brazil Day 11 – January 14, 2026

The Favelas in Salvador overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

CU Anschutz students took a day trip to historic sites in Salvador to learn how race, history, and the Social Determinants of Health ofAfro-Brazilians shape their current socio-economic status and health.

A visit to the famous Sao Joaquim Market

CU Anschutz students, along with Kansas University students, paid a visit to the Sao Joaquim Market, guided by Mr. Fred. São Joaquim Market is one of Salvador, Bahia’s most quintessential and lively open air markets, located in the Cidade Baixa neighborhood between the Baía deTodos os Santos and Avenida Oscar Pontes. It’s also known as the largest traditional market in the city, with deep historical and cultural roots stretching back decades as a central hub for local trade and daily life.

Author inside the São Joaquim Market. Scroll right for more.

Author at the entrance of the São Joaquim Market.

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Walking through a maze of color and activity

Mr. Fred gave us a guided tour through the whole market as he led us in navigating a maze of narrow alleys and stalls where a vast array of fresh produce, tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, seafood, meats, and herbs, in addition to household goods such as clothing, crafts, and household items, were displayed and sold. I had the opportunity of purchasing some groceries at a reasonable price. 

Overall, this market is noted not just for the goods sold, but also for its uniqueness, as it captures the everyday culture and culinary soul of Salvador.

Produce at São Joaquim Market. Right arrow for more market photos.

Merchandise at São Joaquim Market.

Fruit at the São Joaquim Market.

Baskets for sale at São Joaquim Market.

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Discovering Afro‑Brazilian Heritage at Casa do Benin

Casa do Benin is a significant cultural and historical edifice in Salvador, Bahia, that illustrates the strong ancestral links between Brazil and West Africa, especially the former Kingdom of Benin (current-day Benin Republic).

Casa do Benin was established as part of a cultural partnership agreement between the State of Bahia and the Republic of Benin. Its purpose is to preserve, celebrate, and enhance the shared African heritage that strongly shaped Bahian identity—particularly through the history of the transatlantic slave trade and the steadfastness of the Afro-Brazilian culture.

Today, Casa do Benin stands as a vital representation of Afro-Brazilian consciousness, transatlantic cultural exchange, and the legacy of African traditions in Salvador, popularly recognized as the most African city in Brazil. An important and old edifice noted at the Casa do Benin is an old record player, playing Bob Marley music. 

CU and KU students at Casa do Benin.

Lunch in the Favelas

Favelas are informal urban communities predominantly of Afro-Brazilian origin. The rise of the Favelas was due to hasty urbanization, housing shortages, and historic socio-economic inequality. They developed as low-income residents-built homes on underused land—often on hillsides or at the city's outskirts—without government approval or infrastructure.

Despite challenges such as a lack of government support and development, the Favelas have played a major role in shaping not just Brazilian culture but also its music, art, cuisine, and social life. It is also recognized as a vital focus of urban policy, social justice, and development efforts in Brazil.

The restaurant where we had lunch was well-located. They served delicious meals and offered an ocean view.

Tracing colonial legacies and modern transformation

Our last trip of the day was to visit three historic buildings close to the Favelas. During colonial times, when the Portuguese colonized Brazil, there were usually three buildings developed together: the colonial master’s family home, the church he attended with his family, and the building where the slaves lived. Presently, these buildings have been converted into museums depicting the art, history, and culture of Salvador.

View from Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia.

Author with the museum in background.

Reflecting on the lasting impact of slavery

One cannot overemphasize the negative impact of slavery on the approximately 2.3 million Afro-Brazilians who made Salvador their home for more than 400 years! It is alarming and worthy of note that the Afro-Brazilian communities still have very limited access to resources, which in turn has negatively impacted their health and quality of life.

Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia.

Group photo of CU Anschutz students and Kansas University students during the tour to the three historic sites.

Madam Ola Kukoyi

DrPH student CSPH