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Afoxe Filhos de Gandhy is a prominent carnival group based in Salvador, Bahia, originally founded on February 18, 1949, by port dockers, including Durval Marques da Silva, known as “Vavá Madeira,” along with colleagues such as Hermes Agostinho dos Santos, “o Soldado,” Manoel José dos Santos, “Guarda-Sol,” and Almir Passos Fialho, “o Mica.” Initially named “Comendo Coentro” (Eating Coriander), the group was formed out of concern for the lack of work in the ports and the tightening of wages following the post-war crisis. Over time, starting in 1951, the group began to welcome workers from various sectors, evolving into the largest and most beautiful Afoxé of Salvador Carnival. In its early years, Afoxe Filhos de Gandhy performed traditional marchinhas before shifting its focus to Ijexá, even composing original songs. The Afoxé is a cultural expression rooted in traditional African religion and is associated with terreiro-communities in Brazil.