Pelourinho and Tabuão – scenes and sceneries

Abstract

The concepts of “place” and “no place” (Marc Augé) comprise one the tools to do the reading of two contemporary texts which look into the old town of Salvador, especially Pelourinho and Tabuão. The first – extract from an internetchain known as “Salvador, learning and having fun” – Salvador, para aprender e se diverter – which was on the net right after the carnival of 2011. The second – a tale named “O visitante invisível” – The invisible visitor – by Carlos Ribeiro. Displaying some humor, the text points out the old town fleeing and its withdrawing from everyday life. Thus, a “no-place” is established. Such narrative also builds on remarks through the geography of the old town of Salvador, but the chosen itinerary adopts a quite unique perspective, given that meaningful connections with past life experiences are depicted. There is a subjective temporality. Thus, the “place” is set.