“The governor is Bahia. The mayor is Bahia. The windshield wiper, the popsicle and cheese sellers—they’re all Bahia.”
There’s a saying in Salvador, the vibrant capital of the Brazilian state of Bahia: “When Bahia wins, work moves forward. When it loses, everything slows down.”
It’s not just a catchy phrase; it’s a truth that defines life in this football-obsessed region.
Bahia isn’t just a football club—it’s a way of life, a cultural marker, and a symbol of resistance in a country where the footballing spotlight is so often dominated by Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
For Bruno Menezes, a devoted supporter, his love for Esporte Clube Bahia is something inherited.
“The state of Bahia is Bahêa,” he says. “It comes from family, passed from grandfather to father, and from father to son.”
Supporting the club isn’t just about football; it’s about identity, a reminder that the Northeast has its own voice in a nation where football loyalties often lean southwards.
Match Day in Salvador: More Than Just a Game
To understand the spirit of Bahia, you have to experience match day. The streets leading up to Arena Fonte Nova transform into a sea of blue, red, and white. The “ladeira” (hill) and the Dique, a lakeside meeting point for fans, become stages for celebration, anticipation, and unwavering devotion.
“The best possible,” Bruno says, describing the match-day experience.
“Imagine 45,000 people who don’t know each other acting like brothers.”
As the team bus arrives, it’s met with flares, drums, and a collective roar that seems to shake the ground itself. Football here is emotional, a ritual that unites generations, neighbours, and strangers alike.
A Club That Mirrors Its Community
Bahia isn’t just loved by its fans; it represents them.
In a country where football clubs are often controlled by wealthy elites, Bahia stands apart, having undergone a process of democratisation that allows its members to elect the president and council. It’s a people’s club, deeply tied to its city and culture.
“The governor is Bahia. The mayor is Bahia. The windshield wiper, the popsicle and cheese sellers—they’re all Bahia,” Bruno says.
It’s this sense of belonging that makes the club unique. Victory on the pitch feels like victory for the community; defeat lingers beyond the stadium walls. Football isn’t just entertainment—it’s the pulse of Salvador.
The Spirit of Bahian Football
Brazilian football culture is legendary, but in Bahia, it has its own rhythm. “For the Brazilian, and especially the Bahian, football is more than just a sport,” Bruno explains. “It’s religion, politics, love—it’s something inexplicable.”
That passion is impossible to ignore. If you’re in Salvador, visiting Arena Fonte Nova is as essential as exploring Pelourinho’s colourful colonial streets or tasting acarajé from a street vendor. Football here is a sensory experience—drums pounding, voices chanting, bodies moving in unison. It’s not just about watching a match; it’s about being part of something bigger.
Why You Should See Bahia Play
If you ever find yourself in Salvador, give yourself the chance to witness Bahia in action. “I’ve converted friends who supported other teams,” Bruno says.
“You just need one opportunity to watch Esquadrão in the stadium—everything changes after that.”
And with Bahia on the cusp of qualifying for the Libertadores, South America’s elite club competition, the future looks promising.
“In 2025, I hope Bahia is there, competing at the highest level,” Bruno says. “We’re one step away from the group stage, living a dream.”
For a city where football is more than a game, the dream is never just about winning trophies—it’s about showing the world what Bahia represents. And that’s something worth experiencing firsthand.
ALL OUR THANKS TO BRUNO MENEZES