Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art and game, is a captivating blend of dance, acrobatics, music, and spirituality. Its origins date back centuries among Black Brazilians, although the exact year of its creation remains unknown. However, the first mention of capoeira can be traced back to a judicial document in 1789, where it was referred to as “the gravest of crimes.”
In the 19th century, a street fighting style known as capoeira carioca emerged, but it faced numerous bans and persecution. In 1890, capoeira was declared completely illegal and banned. However, in the early 1930s, Mestre Bimba introduced reforms to traditional capoeira, incorporating elements of jiu-jitsu, gymnastics, and sports. These changes helped the government view capoeira as a socially acceptable sport.
Later, in 1941, Mestre Pastinha founded his school, focusing on cultivating the traditional Capoeira Angola and distinguishing it from the reformed version. This distinction led to Capoeira Angola being recognized as the national sport of Brazil.
In the late 1970s, pioneers like Mestre Acordeon began spreading capoeira to the United States and Europe, leading to its international recognition and practice. Today, capoeira has gained global popularity and was even granted a special protected status as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2014.
Capoeira’s roots can be traced back to the traditions brought by enslaved Africans to Brazil. It served as a means of breaking the physical and mental bonds of slavery, even though it was officially prohibited by the Brazilian Penal Code. Capoeiristas persevered by practicing in marginal places and disguising the martial art as a form of dance.
Capoeira embodies the spirit of resilience, freedom, and cultural preservation. It continues to captivate practitioners and spectators alike with its dynamic movements, rhythmic music, and rich history.
