Olodum is an Afro-Brazilian percussion school from the city of Salvador, Bahia. It was founded on April 25, 1979, during the carnival period as a leisure option for the residents of Maciel-Pelourinho, thus guaranteeing them the right to play carnival in an organized block. It is a non-governmental organization (NGO) of the black Brazilian movement, recognized as public utility by the Bahia state government. Its headquarters is located in Salvador's historic center, Pelourinho, where most of its presentations take place.