A HISTÓRIA DO MARACATU (1/3) - Origem do Maracatu

Summary

Maracatu Nacao Maracatu de Baque Virado is a Brazilian cultural manifestation originating from Pernambuco, with its roots dating back to the early 18th century. It blends African, Portuguese, and Indigenous influences, particularly through the coronation of kings and queens, symbolic music, and religious elements. Despite its ties to Catholicism, Maracatu is deeply rooted in African traditions, as seen in its instruments and rituals. The festival holds immense cultural importance, with community involvement in celebrations that are as integral to Brazil's Carnival as samba schools, creating an emotional and historical connection to the tradition.

Takeaways

• 😀 Maracatu Nação Maracatu de Baque Virado is a cultural manifestation from Pernambuco, Brazil, with origins dating back to around 1711.
• 😀 The roots of Maracatu are tied to the cultural formation of Brazilian society, which was shaped by three main ethnic groups: Indigenous people, Portuguese colonizers, and Africans.
• 😀 During Brazil's colonial era, enslaved Africans and their descendants were subject to oppression by Portuguese colonizers, and Maracatu reflects this complex history.
• 😀 One strategy employed by the Portuguese to maintain control over enslaved people was to create a system where enslaved groups could elect symbolic kings and queens for ceremonial roles.
• 😀 These symbolic leaders were often chosen by the enslaved groups but also by the Portuguese, which led to a mixture of African and Portuguese nobility customs.
• 😀 The coronation of kings and queens in Maracatu involves grand processions, music, dance, and religious symbolism, blending both African and Catholic traditions.
• 😀 Maracatu is largely of African origin, with many of its most traditional forms being celebrated in religious territories in Pernambuco.
• 😀 The first Maracatu Nação was the 'Elephant Nation,' established in 1800. Other early Maracatu nations include the Bright Star of Igarassu, Bright Star of Recife, and Porto Rico Nation.
• 😀 The traditional instruments used in Maracatu Nação include the Alfaia, Tarol, Gong, and Eu Merito. Over time, instruments like the Xequerê were added, reflecting influences from Afoxé and Samba.
• 😀 Maracatu is not just a musical and dance performance; it is deeply tied to the community, with a strong emotional connection among participants, who work together to maintain and celebrate the tradition.
• 😀 Today, Maracatu is a central part of Carnival celebrations in Recife, Olinda, and Igarassu, and is as significant as samba schools in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.

Q & A

What is Maracatu Nação Maracatu de Baque Virado?

Maracatu Nação Maracatu de Baque Virado is a Brazilian cultural manifestation originating from Pernambuco. It has roots dating back to 1711, though its exact origin is uncertain. It blends music, dance, religion, and community involvement, with a focus on African traditions.

How did the formation of Brazilian society influence Maracatu?

The formation of Brazilian society involved the blending of three major ethnic groups: Indigenous people, Portuguese (mainly Portuguese), and Africans. The dominance of European colonial powers over enslaved Africans influenced the creation of cultural expressions like Maracatu, which merged African traditions with Portuguese influences.

What role did the Portuguese play in the development of Maracatu?

The Portuguese played a significant role by establishing institutions that allowed enslaved Africans to elect their own kings and queens, who represented their communities. These coronations, marked by music, dance, and religious elements, were influenced by both Portuguese and African traditions.

Why was the coronation of kings and queens significant in Maracatu?

The coronation symbolized the power dynamics between the enslaved and their European oppressors. It was both a form of resistance and a celebration of African identity. These rituals included music, dance, and religious symbolism, with deep cultural roots in both African and Portuguese traditions.

What is the significance of the Elephant Nation in Maracatu?

The Elephant Nation is the first recorded Maracatu nation, dating back to 1800. It is named in honor of Oxalá, an African deity represented by the elephant. This Maracatu nation played a foundational role in the tradition, though it is not considered the oldest due to a period of inactivity.

What are the main instruments used in traditional Maracatu?

The traditional instruments used in Maracatu include Alfaia, tarol, gong, and eu merito. These instruments are essential to the rhythm and performance of Maracatu, and they reflect its African cultural influences.

How has Maracatu evolved over time?

Over time, modern Maracatu Nação incorporated new instruments, such as the xequerê, which were influenced by Afoxé and Samba. This evolution has brought greater variety to the performances while still maintaining the core cultural elements of the tradition.

What is the community involvement in Maracatu?

Community involvement in Maracatu is central to its identity. It is a collective celebration where members of the community work together to create music, dance, and art. This emotional and cultural connection is crucial in ensuring the continuation of Maracatu as a cultural expression.

What similarities exist between Maracatu and other Brazilian cultural expressions like Samba?

Maracatu shares similarities with other Brazilian cultural forms, such as Samba, in that both involve large community participation and are central to Brazilian Carnival celebrations. Like Samba schools, Maracatu groups perform with grandeur during Carnival parades.

How does Maracatu connect with religious practices?

Maracatu has deep religious connections, particularly with Afro-Brazilian religions. The processions and coronations often incorporate religious symbolism, and many of the traditional Maracatu nations perform in religious territories, such as in Pernambuco, which highlight African spiritual influences.