Carneval &
Capoeira
Carneval
Few people are aware that the famous Brazilian Carnival is actually based on the history of the Quilombolas, who used their traditional nature gods, the Orixás, under the guise of joyful parades, to fight for their social liberation.
The origin of Carnival is not based on the current image of half-naked parades in Rio, although these also originated from the predominantly Afro-Brazilian residents of the city's favelas. Initially, Carnival took place in Olinda, in the northeastern state of Pernambuco.
Today, a special Carnival dance ceremony called "Darue Malungo" still takes place here, which incorporates many spiritual elements of the Orixás.
https://www.folhape.com.br/cultura/semana-afro-darue-malungo-retorna-com-diversidade-corpo-e/247486/
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://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