Portal:States/Featured/2
< Portal:States | Featured
Bahia, a northeastern Brazilian state, cradles syncretic Catholic traditions as the seat of the Archdiocese of São Salvador da Bahia (1551), South America's first diocese. Hosting 14 million residents (70% Catholic) and festivals like Bonfim, it fosters Afro-Brazilian devotions in 10+ dioceses, reflecting Brazil's 123–140 million faithful and resistance to evangelical growth through Charismatic Renewal.