Culture: Capoeira

Capoeira was an african fighting style that in Brazil developed into a dance and game. It started off in Angola under the name of “Zebra Game” and was imported together with a suitcase of African customs during colonial slavery.

Just like Candomble, it was oppressed by the slave masters and its practice forbidden. Slaves did not want to let go of this valuable and cultural art, so they kept practicing it secretely in clearings in the sugar cane fields. Since they did not want to leave any injuries on their partners, which would serve as evidence, they removed physical contact while mainting the moves and blows. It persisted, despite repeated oppression, police scuffles and man-hunts for over 400 years.

In the 20th century, there were two men that made Capoeira a strong cultural phenomenon: Mater Pastinha and Master Bimba. The first, Pastinha, followed and taught the “Angolan Capoeira” style to students in the 1930s. This style is slower, closer to the ground and uncanny. It is also the fundamentals of Capoeira.

The second, Mestre Bimba, started promoting a new style, “Capoeira Regional” to black and white students in Salvador. This style is influenced by martial arts, is more choreographed, has more jumps and saults, more leg work and if faster than the former.

Both styles have their own music and song, commonly played on a Berimbau, rhythmed by clap and chanted by those in the circle participating.

Where to see it
* Associacao Capoeira Mestre Bimba, Tue-Fri 19h
* Mercado Modelo, all week till 17h (bring change for contribution)
* Federacao Brasileira de Capoeira Angola, Tue-Fri 19h