How to Stay Safe at Carnival in Salvador De Bahia

Welcome to my 2^nd article in my series on Carnival in Salvador de Bahia. This incredible music event attracts locals and party goers from all over the world. After my visit to Carnival in Salvador de Bahia this year, I realized it was not as dangerous as everyone said it would be. Follow the top five tips below to stay safe at this huge, but manageable, event.

Top 5 Tips to Stay Safe at Carnival in Salvador de Bahia. Each person in your group should take a business card from your hotel so everyone can make it home. Do not carry a bag or use your camera after dark, take photos during the day. Avoid wearing a mini-skirt so creepy guys cannot molest you while they look for your money belt. Keep your money in your bra or money belt and never flash large bills. Leave your credit cards and passport at home and don't bring more money with you than you are willing to lose.

Daytime at Carnival in Salvador de Bahia. Music starts in the afternoon; your free program provides schedules for each stage. The summer sun is intensely strong so slather yourself with high SPF sunscreen, wear a hat and bring your sunglasses. During the daylight hours all of Carnival in Salvador de Bahia is relatively safe; but the earlier the better. Spectators have just begun to get drunk, the streets are at their cleanest and crowds are relatively mellow. This is the time of day to take pictures and beat the crowds.

Carnival in Salvador de Bahia at night in Campo Grande and Barra. Anticipate a beautiful sunset at 7p.m. After dark, Carnival transforms from mellow to intense. The streets are packed with barking vendors, garbage and drunken partiers as well as a heavy police presence. Most people are simply there to party, some people however are looking to steal your things. The closer you are to the music, the more crowded it gets. Expect no personal space; people will knock into you and push you from behind in bottlenecked areas. However, this is some people's idea of fun and the long list of famous performers you can see for free just can't be beat.

Which stage is the best for families with children at Carnival in Salvador de Bahia? Pelourinho, the historic district, is the safest stage during Carnival and the best place for families. You will see a mixture of tourists and locals (families with babies in costume) and a strong police presence all day and night. World famous Olodum walks through Pelourinho along with an endless festive string of local groups that feature drums, brass, colorful costumes and dancers. The main Carnival stage in Pelourinho sits in front of the Jorge Amado de Faria museum. Eat street food such as acarajé, popcorn and kabobs while drinking soda, water, juice and beer. Or shop for souvenirs and dine at one of the many sit down restaurants. Don't misunderstand, plenty of partying goes on here. It is after all one of the largest parties in the world.

If you enjoyed this article, read "How to Take Public Transportation to and from Carnival in Salvador de Bahia", for more useful and first-hand information.