Ilê Aiyê is a carnival block from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, based in the
Curuzu/Liberdade neighborhood, known for having the largest Afro-descendant
population in the city. Founded in 1974 by Antônio Carlos “Vovô” and Apolônio de
Jesus, Ilê Aiyê is the oldest Afro-Brazilian carnival block. The name comes from
the Yoruba language, meaning "House of Life" or "Earth." Ilê Aiyê was created to
elevate the consciousness and pride of the black community in Bahia. Despite
initial persecution by the police and media, and controversy over its policy of
only allowing black participants, Ilê ...