Capoeira is part of Brazil’s cultural heritage and a unique gift to the world, as it is now practiced globally.
In short, capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of acrobatics and dance, all practiced to the rhythm of music. It originated in colonial Brazil; some say it was a form of resistance against slavery, while others believe it stemmed from a desire for freedom.
Capoeira is part of Brazil’s cultural heritage and a unique gift to the world, as it is now practiced globally. Adults and children of all ages fall in love with it. At first glance, it seems like a blend of the incompatible: fighting, acrobatics, music, culture, and game. However, all these elements come together in perfect harmony. Discover why this is so.
What is capoeira?
Capoeira blends combat, acrobatics, music and game
It’s a dialogue and a game between two capoeiristas, performed within a roda (circle) of participants who play instruments, sing, and chant traditional capoeira songs. This dialogue mirrors the full spectrum of human emotions, much like verbal communication. Capoeira is more than just training; it’s a profoundly creative activity! Capoeira is improvised in the moment and operates within unwritten frameworks, traditions, and rituals, offering a chance to express daily challenges, joys, and individuality. The dialogue between capoeiristas can range from controlled and playful to intense and confrontational, depending on their skill levels and willingness to take risks. The unique fusion of capoeira’s elements creates magical moments unparalleled in any other cultural tradition.
CAPOEIRA ROOTS
How capoeira became a dance of freedom
According to legend, enslaved people disguised the lethal techniques of capoeira as a dance, incorporating music and song to conceal its true power and danger from their oppressors. While historians continue to debate its origins, it is widely accepted that capoeira’s roots lie in Africa. Still, it emerged through interactions between enslaved Africans, Portuguese colonizers, and Brazil’s Indigenous peoples.
Unfortunately, much of capoeira’s early history was lost. When Brazil abolished slavery in 1888—the last country in the world to do so—the Portuguese burned records to erase this dark chapter from their history. Capoeira was outlawed, with practitioners facing harsh punishments, including imprisonment. It wasn’t until 1937 that Mestre Bimba was granted permission to teach capoeira openly, paving the way for its resurgence.
Finally, in 2009, capoeira was declared a part of Brazil’s national cultural heritage. In 2014, UNESCO recognized the Roda de Capoeira as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Today, millions of people around the globe practice capoeira—some as a leisure activity, others as a way of life and a core part of their identity.
Although it is not part of the culture of our people, we are proud to be the guardians of this magical skill and to be able to participate in its popularization every day!
How did capoeira come to Serbia?
Here you can find out more about how this martial art came to Serbia.
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