Itacare, state Bahia
Itacaré is an explosion of colors, sounds, smells, flavors and textures that elate our senses. There are only a few places in the world where nature has been so generous, offering such a diverse group of attractions concentrated in a single place.
The town's welcome appears to be one of an atmosphere of permanent festivities, and it's not a false impression. Visitors that arrive now, from all over the world, are eager to partake in a little of all they can see and feel here. By the way it looks, the origins and different characteristics of the many "tribes" that end up meeting in Itacaré don't seem compatible, but at night, fans of very diverse musical backgrounds all end up colliding. Between a forró - a bit earlier - a hip-hop dance - later in the night - everyone seems to mix and enjoy a good time alternating between a capeta (alcoholic drink with herbal energizers), a beer and a new dance step.
Today the town is made up of 7 neighborhoods: Porto de Trás, Marimbondo, Passagem, Centro, São Miguel, Pituba e Concha. Each of them brings together people, history and traditions that are a sight apart for those who can relish in lazy conversation at the end of a pleasant afternoon that seems to slow the hands of time.
The municipality occupies an area of 730 km² (457 sq. miles) with about 20,000 residents and, approximately 60% of the population in the rural interior. During much of the time, its history and livelihood was intimately connected to cocoa. With the declining cocoa culture, the town is now turning toward tourism.
With the natural beauty that existed here and easy access, success was inevitable.
Each year more and more visitors arrive in one of the most improbable places in the world to see up close what it is this little piece of Bahia has that is so special.
Nights in Itacaré are hot. The bars along Coroinha Beach in the city center are meeting points to get together for luaus and parties. Forró (Brazilian folk dance), reggae and other rhythms surround people who party on the sand till day break.
Although it's a small town, Itacaré has a lively night life not only in summer, but the entire year. Forró and reggae are the most common types of music on the local scene. Some night clubs that present forró bands get completely packed. For those who don't know how to dance forró there are always some local "Itacareenses" eager to teach a few steps.
For those who prefer a mellow scene at night, there are places that open at 7 PM. Parties and shows start between 10 and 11 PM and a majority of the time there is no designated closing time. Some places are used to hitting a peak between 1:30 and 2:30 AM. For this reason, some people dine earlier and rest a little, going out later full of energy for the long night ahead.
Some bars and restaurants attract attention with exotic décor and colorful lights which create a special effect at night. Many restaurants have live music with a repertoire based in MPB (Brazilian Popular Music). For people into electronic music, there are also options: spaces with high-tech lighting and DJ's who permeate the night with rhythms from black music to trance. Shows with great bands usually occur during the summer.
Bars and pubs, always full, offer pool tables, diverse drinks, surf and music videos. Some have weekly programs with live music and DJ's. With a loose and joyful atmosphere, they are frequented by young people from various parts of Brazil and the world. Musicians are mainly heard playing reggae, rock and forró.
Beach parties (called "Luau" in Brazil) are the most sought after. Some bars on Conchas Beach regularly organize shows and parties with capoeira (Afro-Brazilian martial arts) presentations.
After a night out, one of the major spectacles to see is that big ball of fire rising from the water. When the sun appears, visitors are mesmerized by the vibrant colors and reflections. The harmonies of capoeira and the sound of the ocean beating on the rocks and forests fill with bird songs. At this hour, all the saints of Bahia seem to be rising here.
| 
