Senhor do Bonfim is recognized as the city with the largest quilombola population in Brazil.

Once again, the city of Senhor do Bonfim is gaining national media attention. Known for its natural beauty, religious significance, and prominence in the sports scene, the municipality will now be recognized for having the largest quilombola population in the country. According to the Census released by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Senhor do Bonfim has a total population of 74,490 inhabitants, of which 15,999 are quilombola.

The largest concentration of quilombola communities is in Tijuaçu.

The Census questionnaires included, for the first time, questions to identify whether people self-identify as quilombola (descendants of runaway slaves). The largest concentration of this group is found in the district of Tijuaçu, which borders the municipalities of Filadélfia and Antônio Gonçalves. This locality has existed since approximately 1750 and encompasses a total of 14 communities, with 10,000 inhabitants in total. However, only 8 of these communities are in Senhor do Bonfim, while the others are distributed among neighboring municipalities.

The history of the Quilombola presence in Senhor do Bonfim

In the 16th century, northern Bahia received a large number of enslaved Black people brought by the Portuguese and colonizers to work in mining and cattle ranching. Currently, Senhor do Bonfim has several quilombola communities, including Laje, Mamoeira, Tijuaçu, Cariacá, Água Branca, Quebra-Facão, Umburana, Tanquinho, Terreirinho Cachoeirinha, and Fazenda Urubu. In addition, there are quilombola communities in the town center, such as Alto da Maravilha, Bonfim III, Monte Alegre II, and Olaria.

Senhor do Bonfim leads the ranking of municipalities with a quilombola population.

According to the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics), Senhor do Bonfim holds the top position in the ranking of Brazilian municipalities with the largest quilombola population, with 15,999 people who self-identify as belonging to this community. Following are Salvador (BA) with 15,897 quilombolas, Alcântara (MA) with 15,616, Januária (MG) with 15,000, and Abaetetuba (PA) with 14,526.

With this achievement, Senhor do Bonfim reinforces its position as a reference point in the quilombola landscape of Brazil, valuing its history and traditions. The city stands out not only for its culture and natural beauty, but also for being home to a significant number of quilombola people who help preserve the memory and identity of this important segment of Brazilian society.

ASCOM – Press Office
Municipality of Senhor do Bonfim — Taking good care feels good.