Por quê a Capoeira foi proibida? - Histórias de Capoeira

Summary

Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, originated during slavery when enslaved people disguised it as a dance to evade strict regulations. After slavery's abolition in 1888, capoeira was criminalized due to fears of uprisings. Despite this, it continued to be practiced in secrecy. By the 1930s, influential figures like Mestre Bimba and Mestre Pastinha transformed capoeira into a more structured art form, leading to its official recognition by the government in 1937. Over time, it became socially accepted and globally recognized, with UNESCO declaring it a cultural heritage of humanity in 2014. Today, capoeira is a celebrated worldwide practice.

Takeaways

• 😀 Capoeira originated during slavery in Brazil, where enslaved people were treated violently and sought ways to defend themselves or escape.
• 😀 Slave owners banned any forms of combat and restricted traditional African rituals, leading to capoeira being camouflaged as music and dance.
• 😀 Even after slavery officially ended with the Golden Law in 1888, many former slaves were still impoverished and lacked work or housing, turning to capoeira for survival.
• 😀 In 1890, capoeira was criminalized under the Penal Code, with severe penalties for practicing it, especially for leaders of capoeira groups.
• 😀 The law disproportionately targeted poor, black, or unemployed individuals, with the police actively seeking capoeiristas to imprison.
• 😀 Despite the ban, capoeira continued to be practiced secretly and was passed down from one generation to the next.
• 😀 By the 1930s, capoeira was reformed by masters like Bimba and Pastinha, making it more socially acceptable and reducing persecution.
• 😀 In 1937, capoeira was officially recognized as a unique Brazilian sport by President Getúlio Vargas, and the law was modified to allow its practice.
• 😀 Capoeira continued to be misunderstood and viewed negatively by some, even after it was legalized, with many capoeira masters facing opposition from their families.
• 😀 In 2008, capoeira was recognized as Brazil's intangible cultural heritage, and in 2014, UNESCO declared the capoeira circle a Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
• 😀 Today, capoeira is a globally recognized sport, with thousands of practitioners worldwide, and serves as an attraction for foreigners to learn Portuguese or visit Brazil.

Q & A

Why was capoeira prohibited in Brazil?

Capoeira was prohibited because it was seen as a threat by the ruling class. After slavery was abolished, capoeira was associated with revolts and illegal activities, and the government feared it could lead to further unrest.

How did slaves practice capoeira despite the prohibition?

Slaves camouflaged capoeira through music and dance, practicing it secretly to avoid detection by their masters and authorities.

What role did capoeira play after the abolition of slavery in Brazil?

After the abolition of slavery, capoeira became a means of livelihood for many former slaves. They worked as security guards or in capoeira groups that were sometimes linked to illegal activities.

What was the reaction of the government after capoeira became associated with former slaves?

The government feared that capoeira could lead to revolts and attempted to suppress it by labeling it as 'vagrancy' and criminalizing it through the Penal Code in 1890.

What happened to capoeira during the early 20th century?

Capoeira continued to be practiced clandestinely until 1930, when masters like Bimba and Pastinha introduced reforms, making capoeira more socially accepted.

Who helped change the perception of capoeira in Brazil?

Masters Bimba and Pastinha played a crucial role in reforming capoeira by establishing rules for teaching it and promoting it as a more structured and respected practice.

How did capoeira gain official recognition in Brazil?

In 1937, capoeira was officially recognized by President Getúlio Vargas, who even described it as 'the only truly Brazilian sport.'

When did capoeira become recognized as a cultural heritage?

Capoeira was recognized as a cultural heritage in 2008 by Brazil, and in 2014, UNESCO declared it an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Why do many foreigners learn capoeira today?

Capoeira is one of the main reasons why foreigners are interested in learning Portuguese or visiting Brazil, as it has become a globally recognized sport and cultural practice.

What challenges did capoeira face in terms of social acceptance?

Capoeira faced significant challenges in social acceptance, as it was initially associated with lower classes and viewed with suspicion by mainstream society. Even today, some capoeiristas share stories of having to convince their families that capoeira was not just a criminal activity.