Carlinhos Brown Official Website

Created in 1995 by Carlinhos Brown, Zárabe is a tribute to the Muslim culture present in the ethnic and cultural formation of northern Africa, which has also contributed to Brazil’s heritage. During their traditional presentation during Salvador’s Lavagem do Bonfim (Bonfim pilgramage and celebration) and Yemanja Festival, Zárabe’s approximately 250 percussionists open the festivities to the sound of clarions, running through the streets followed by an animated multitude.

Their costumes are colorful, original and inspired by the Arab world. The instruments they play are also different from those usually seen on Slavador’s streets: Moroccan iron castanets, pandeirões, pandeiretas,guizos, clarions, goblet drums, tama drums, Tibetan gongos, gonguê, bell, shovels, hoes, PVC drums (these being designed and created by Carlinhos Brown himself), and shekeres. Incense, scented water and flower petals purify and open the paths for the followers of the procession.

Zárabe has also participated in many carnivals and its musical marathon is already known to Salvador’s public who is always enchanted by its pulsating rhythm, its visual beauty and the good vibrations surrounding them.