Learn traditional percussion and cultural practices from master drummers with generations of expertise. Structured 7 or 12-day programmes including participation in Brazil's most significant Afro-Brazilian celebrations.
Inaugural Programme, Established Expertise: This is the first year of our structured international cultural immersion programme, built on 20+ years of combined experience coordinating authentic cultural experiences in Salvador. Follow @opanijeworld to meet your instructors and see behind-the-scenes access.
Six pillars of authentic cultural immersion that will transform your understanding of Brazil
Direct, hands-on instruction in percussion and dance from renowned local artists with 15+ years of experience in Salvador's cultural scene.
Live and breathe the culture of Salvador, from its colonial streets of Pelourinho to vibrant community gatherings and sacred ceremonies.
Discover the stunning beaches of Salvador and the tropical paradise of Itaparica Island, where crystal waters meet pristine sands.
Experience the soul of Bahia through electrifying live music, authentic dance performances, and Salvador's legendary nightlife.
Experience Salvador's famous street parties, join authentic Afro-Brazilian cortejos, and participate in traditional celebrations.
Join the biggest Reggae Festival in Latin America featuring top Brazilian and Jamaican artists. (12-day package only)
Certified cultural heritage experts with generations of teaching experience
Former Timbalada Member • Dendê Project Instructor • 15+ Years Teaching
Vanderson teaches you authentic Bahian percussion rhythms—samba-reggae fundamentals including surdo, repinique, and timbal patterns. You'll learn how to play in a bateria (ensemble) with proper coordination and understand the cultural origins of each rhythm.
Guinean Griot Family • Ballet Djoliba Principal • Recording Artist
Djanko connects you to the African roots of Bahian culture. Learn authentic West African djembe techniques (slap, tone, bass), traditional Guinea rhythms and their diaspora evolution in Brazil, plus body percussion and movement coordination.
Garcia Favela Native • Toured 20+ Countries • Cultural Ambassador
Junior teaches advanced improvisation techniques for bateria, the evolution of Salvador's percussion scene, and how street culture and favela traditions shaped modern Bahian music. Learn authentic rhythms from someone who lived the culture.
Salvador-Born Choreographer • Folkloric Performer • International Festivals
Derica teaches traditional Afro-Brazilian dance including samba de roda and maculelê. Learn movement vocabulary for Candomblé orixás, body conditioning for folkloric performance, and the cultural stories told through dance.
Brazilian Percussionist • Cultural Translator • International Tours
Rodolfo provides Portuguese/English interpretation and ensures you understand the cultural context behind every class and ceremony. Learn essential Portuguese phrases, historical connections between African and Brazilian traditions, and how to respectfully engage with sacred practices.
Programme Director & Cultural Coordinator
✓ 20+ years managing global platforms for African diaspora artists
✓ Established relationships with Salvador's cultural communities
✓ Ghanaian cultural entrepreneur and medical professional
✓ Personally accompanies every programme with 24/7 support
"I've spent two decades building bridges between African diaspora communities and authentic cultural experiences. This programme brings you inside Salvador's living traditions—learning from master musicians, participating in real ceremonies, not tourist performances." — Peter Ansah
Choose your perfect accommodation level
Starting at €800
Starting at €900
Starting at €1,100
All accommodations feature dedicated staff present 24/7 to ensure your security, comfort, and personalized attention. Located near core festival locations and cultural sites to minimize travel time and maximize immersion.
All-inclusive cultural immersion with no hidden fees
Experience prices vary by celebration month. All packages include early bird discounts when booking 90+ days in advance.
Significant savings for couples sharing accommodations
💰 Early Bird Discount: Book 90+ days in advance to secure the discounted prices shown. Regular prices apply for bookings made less than 90 days before departure.
| Package Features |
7-Day Single From €800 |
7-Day Couple From €1,500 Save up to €300 |
12-Day Single From €1,400 |
12-Day Couple From €2,600 Save up to €600 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Transfer (SSA) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accommodation | Shared/Private | Private Room | Shared/Private | Private Room |
| Daily Breakfast | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Welcome & Farewell Dinners | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| All Local Transport | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Percussion Classes | 3 sessions | 3 sessions | 5 sessions | 5 sessions |
| Dance Classes | 3 sessions | 3 sessions | 5 sessions | 5 sessions |
| República do Reggae Festival | - | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Island Boat Trip | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cultural Shows & Performances | 2 shows | 2 shows | 4 shows | 4 shows |
| Bloco Afro Rehearsals | 2 rehearsals | 2 rehearsals | 3 rehearsals | 3 rehearsals |
| 24/7 Support & Coordination | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Flexible Cancellation |
Full refund up to 60 days before departure
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All prices shown are final programme fees with no hidden costs. Prices listed in EUR are calculated from Brazilian Real (BRL) at prevailing exchange rate and confirmed at time of booking. 10% of all programme fees support local cultural preservation projects in Salvador's Afro-Brazilian communities. Complete cost breakdown provided upon request.
Cancellation Policy: Full refund 60+ days prior • 50% refund 30-59 days prior • No refund less than 30 days prior to departure. All refunds processed within 14 business days.
International flights to Salvador (SSA), lunches and dinners (except welcome/farewell), alcoholic beverages, personal expenses, optional activities, travel insurance (required - estimated €50-80).
Each month is timed around major cultural celebrations. Select your experience:
Note: Itineraries are designed around each month's cultural celebrations but remain flexible for weather, community schedules, and group preferences. Peter coordinates all logistics and provides real-time adjustments.
We limit every programme to 20 participants maximum. This isn't a marketing gimmick—it's essential for authentic cultural immersion:
Master musicians can only provide meaningful personalised instruction to small groups. You'll receive direct feedback and individual guidance.
Salvador's cultural communities welcome small, respectful groups. Larger groups change the dynamic and compromise authentic access.
Small groups foster real relationships. You'll make meaningful connections with instructors and fellow participants.
Transportation, accommodation, and cultural site visits are more comfortable and organised with 20 people maximum.
Reserve your spot today or schedule a call with Peter to learn more
Your Cultural Experience Director
Typical response time: Within 24 hours
Peter has been coordinating cultural experiences in Salvador for over 20 years. He'll personally guide your journey and ensure every detail exceeds expectations.
Complete transparency for your cultural immersion journey
While this is the first year we're offering structured international cultural immersion programmes, our instructors have been teaching Afro-Brazilian percussion and cultural practices for 15-30+ years. We've formalized these offerings based on decades of successful workshops and cultural exchange experiences in Salvador.
Our Confidence Guarantee: We offer a complete 60-day full refund guarantee. If you're not completely satisfied with the programme structure, instructor credentials, or itinerary details before departure, we'll refund your deposit in full up to 60 days prior. This removes all risk from your decision.
All programme instructors combine:
Full instructor credentials and performance history available upon request.
No previous experience required. Programme structured for all levels:
Small group sizes (max 20) ensure personalized attention. All instruments provided during workshops.
No. Peter and Rodolfo provide Portuguese/English interpretation throughout all experiences. You'll understand the cultural context and communicate smoothly with instructors and communities. Essential Portuguese phrases taught as part of cultural immersion.
International Flights: Salvador Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport (SSA) has connections from major European hubs:
Airport transfers included in programme fee. Detailed arrival instructions provided upon registration.
Visa Requirements: EU citizens can visit Brazil visa-free for up to 90 days. Valid passport (6+ months) required.
All refunds processed within 14 business days. Comprehensive travel insurance strongly recommended.
Official recognitions ensuring programme quality and cultural authenticity
Programme activities take place in Salvador's Historic Centre, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985
Verify UNESCO Status →Registered with Brazilian Ministry of Tourism's official tourism services registry
10% of programme fees support local cultural preservation projects in Salvador's Afro-Brazilian communities
