There are strong religious manifestations in Bahia due to the influences of the European and African cultures that coexist in harmony and mutual respect.

It is often said that the city of Salvador has over 300 churches.  Tourists who visit the capital of Bahia are able to visit a different church every day of the year. Among these churches, the best known and are the traditional ones are located in the Historic District and in the Lower City.

The most famous church in town is the Church of Bonfim, located in the Lower City and founded in 1745. It is the Church of greater devotion in Bahia and the masses of first and last Friday of the year are the busiest. There, tourists can also purchase the famous Bonfim ribbon or Medida do Bonfim, which should be tied on the wrist with three knots. For each knot, a grace is asked with faith in our Lord of Bonfim and when the ribbon naturally breaks, the grace will be granted.

The most famous popular festival of Bahia happens in front of the church of Bonfim, after Carnaval: Lavagem do Bonfim. At this festivity, which always occurs in January, typical Bahian ladies wash the steps of the church to thank for the holy graces received in the past year and to ask for good vibes for the coming year.

Another major religious symbol for Bahians is Sister Dulce - known as the Good Angel of Bahia. The Bahian religious sister started her charity work at thirteen years old assisting the poor and needy. In 1934, already a nun after 6 months in the novitiate of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (SMIC), she began her profession of faith and founded the Santo Antonio Hospital, in Largo de Roma, Salvador where the Social Work of Sister Dulce  - OSID is currently located. She died in 1992, due to respiratory problems. Sister Dulce was beatified in 2011 after recognition by the Vatican of a miracle attributed to the nun in 2009. The Social Work of Sister Dulce attracts numerous devotees and admirers from Brazil and abroad, reinforcing the character of faith and piety of Bahia.

Candomblé is another strong religious expression in Bahia because of the historical influences of the black culture in the state. It is based on the forces of nature and was brought by African priests, who came to Brazil as slaves in the colonial era, between 1549 and 1888. Candomblé has the Orishas - guardians of the elements of nature or deified African ancestors - its highest expressions. Candomble is practiced in several Terreiros of the city. Among the better known we include: Terreiro da Casa Branca from Engenho velho (the oldest in Brazil), the Ile Axe Opo Afonjá, the Gantois, Bate Folha, Bel D‘Oshun, Olga de Alaketu, Pilão de Prata, Ile Axe Iba Ogun and Ajunssun.

In Candomblé cults, each Orisha has his or her day, color, dancing, instruments, food and greetings.