ABSTRACT

The church of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black People is one of the main historical monuments in the center of Salvador. 1 The Black confraternity is still very active and the weekly Tuesday mass is one of the best-known religious events (and tourist attractions) of the Pelourinho (historic center), an expression of an Afro-Brazilian culture forged over time. In fact, the community has operated without interruption since its founding, in contrast with many other early modern congregations active in the center of Salvador, several by now defunct or not so vital. From the time of its establishment in the beginning of 17th century, 2 the confraternity of Our Lady of the Rosary of Black People formed connections with communities of different social groups, occupying the urban space of the city's center.