Carneval &
Capoeira
Carneval
The Brazilian carnival has European roots, as it was introduced by the Portuguese. Similar to Europe, it is based on pre-Christian traditions in Brazil and was associated with the gods of the Quilombolas, the Orixás, a few hundred years ago during slavery. In Rio de Janeiro, the Afro-Brazilian inhabitants of the favelas still characterise the carnival today, albeit in a rather ‘bikini’ modernised form.
There are numerous variations of carnival in Brazil, such as the special ‘Darue Malungo’ dance ceremony in Olinda in the north-eastern state of Pernambuco, which incorporates spiritual elements of the Orixás and has the context of the struggle for social liberation of the Quilombolas.
Capoeira
At that time, African slaves were not only forbidden to practice their traditions, but also to possess weapons. In order to solve internal and sometimes external social problems within the African community, they began to use their bodies as weapons.
So that the strict Catholic slaveholders, known as the "Patrãos", would not notice what was happening, the Capoeiristas formed a circle, sang, and clapped to block the view of the fighters. If one of them approached, the drummers changed the rhythm as a signal and officially began to sing to the Catholic Mother Mary, although they actually meant their Orixás.
https://www.folhape.com.br/cultura/semana-afro-darue-malungo-retorna-com-diversidade-corpo-e/247486/
https://web.de/magazine/sport/mehr-sport/kampfkunst-capoeira-39385808?utm_source=pocket-newtab-de-de
In the early 2000s, Afro-Brazilian cultures were on the rise, but they were still not publicly accepted, partially frowned upon, or locally prohibited.
To strengthen their identity, young Afro-Brazilians were supported at a youth center in Olinda, so that they could perform as festively dressed kings or queens during the "Darue Malungo" dance.
Capoeira (Inter) National
Public School
Nowadays, the dance companies of "Darue Malungo" are well-known worldwide, and the martial art "Capoeira" is included in the curriculum of most Brazilian public schools, with a lesson plan present in any reputable Western fitness center.
Englishwoman Claire even met her future husband during an English-Brazilian Capoeira class in a fishing village in Ceará in the mid-2000s, married him, and has been living in a Brazilian marine reserve since then.
See DOC from 2016:
According to Afro-Brazilian tradition, Claire is now primarily involved in environmental conservation in her reserve.
See