Brazil's Origins (01:28)

FREE PREVIEW

After Cabral landed in 1500, Portuguese settlers imported slaves from Africa. This segment orients viewers to Michael Palin's exploration of Brazil's identity.

Sao Luis Festas Juninas (03:45)

Palin visits the capital of Maranhão and learns the slave origins of the Bumba-meu-boi myth. Visit a local community's ceremonial bull baptism.

Alcantara (02:42)

When slavery was abolished in 1888, Sao Luis cotton and sugar industries crashed. Palin takes a ferry to a former plantation town; over 40% of African slaves were brought to Brazil.

Brazil Beach Culture (02:33)

Families set up food and music entertainment as weekend pastime. A local young man teaches Palin how to "girl watch."

Bumba-meu-boi Celebration (01:45)

Sao Luis residents perform an African influenced dance on St. Peter's day.

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (01:50)

Palin visits inland dunes near Sao Luis. Sands constantly change the landscape and unique weather conditions produce freshwater pools.

Recife Culture (02:30)

Palin meets a music promoter and a muralist in the capital of Pernambuco.

Olinda, Brazil (03:01)

Palin visits a historic city near Recife and has a beer in a bodega—a combination shop and bar. A friend shows him how to dance the faha to a live band.

Serrita Vaquero Culture (04:36)

Palin leaves Brazil's coast for ranch land. Aging cowboys carry on the pega de boi tradition of catching wild bulls.

Salvador Catholic Architecture (04:27)

Palin travels to the capital of Bahia. He visits 18th century cathedrals built from colonial wealth; local superstitions including hanging wax body parts to cure disease.

Candomblé Divination (04:29)

Salvador statues represent a religion combining Catholicism and African faiths. Palin has his fortune told by a local priest and attends a dance ceremony.

Olodum Music School (02:49)

Palin gets a drumming lesson from a Salvador youth group playing rhythms rooted in Nigeria.

Bahia Cuisine (06:27)

Salvador's food combines African, indigenous and Portuguese influences. Palin visits a fish market and has a cooking lesson from a local chef, who puts her passion into meals.

Salvador Capoeira (04:59)

Palin learns about the African influenced martial arts dance in Liberdade, a neighborhood where freed slaves settled. A master shows him the moves and interviews him on a local radio station.

Bahia Lifestyle (02:37)

Palin visits a cigar factory in the agricultural town of Cachoeira. The Dutch owner explains how the tropical heat contributes to a relaxed attitude towards life.

Saveiro Culture (02:30)

Palin rides on a traditional sailboat on Salvador Bay. Restoration enthusiasts discuss its cultural importance and defend Bahia's relaxed attitude.

Credits: Out of Africa: Brazil with Michael Palin (00:35)

Credits: Out of Africa: Brazil with Michael Palin