🇧🇷 História da Capoeira - História em 3 Minutos

Summary

This video explores the history of Capoeira, tracing its origins back to the 1500s when the Portuguese colonized Brazil and brought enslaved Africans. The video discusses two theories about Capoeira's origins: one suggesting it developed in slave quarters as a hidden dance, and the other linking it to runaway slaves. It covers the struggles of freed slaves and the criminalization of Capoeira in the late 1800s. In the 1940s, Capoeira was legalized after a performance impressed President Getúlio Vargas, and today it is a globally practiced cultural heritage, with two main styles: Angola and Regional.

Takeaways

• 😀 The history of Capoeira traces back to the Portuguese arrival in Brazil in 1500 and the African dances and fights that likely influenced it.
• 😀 Capoeira developed in Brazil when enslaved Africans were brought to work in the country, especially in sugar plantations in the Northeast.
• 😀 The transatlantic slave trade began in 1538, bringing more enslaved people to Brazil to work in various regions.
• 😀 There are two main theories on the origin of Capoeira: one suggests it was practiced in the hidden quarters of the plantations, while the other posits that it arose from fugitive slaves defending themselves.
• 😀 The term 'Capoeira' could come from either the name of a bird or from the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning 'thinned-out forest' where the practice occurred.
• 😀 After slavery was abolished in 1888, former slaves faced difficulties finding education and work, leading to the practice of Capoeira being pushed underground.
• 😀 In the 1890s, Capoeira was criminalized, and practitioners risked imprisonment if caught; it was often practiced in secretive locations.
• 😀 Capoeira became associated with street fights and confrontations, with stories of its use in combat involving knives and razors.
• 😀 Famous Capoeiristas like Manduca da Praia and Nascimento Grande emerged during this time despite the prohibition.
• 😀 In the 1940s, Capoeira split into two main styles: Capoeira Angola, focused on tradition, and Capoeira Regional, created by Mestre Bimba, which was more modern and emphasized self-defense.
• 😀 Capoeira gained legal recognition in 1940 after a demonstration by Mestre Bimba, and it later became part of Brazil's cultural heritage and is now practiced worldwide.

Q & A

What is the origin of Capoeira in Brazil?

Capoeira is believed to have originated when enslaved Africans were brought to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 1500s. It developed as a blend of African dance and fighting techniques, possibly as a form of resistance and self-defense.

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

The Portuguese brought enslaved Africans to Brazil starting in 1538 to work on plantations, particularly in the northeast. This influx of African slaves is thought to have contributed to the development of Capoeira in Brazil.

How did Capoeira evolve in the 1600s?

By the 1600s, Capoeira was practiced in two distinct ways: one theory suggests that enslaved Africans practiced it secretly in the slave quarters (senzalas), disguising it as a dance; the other theory holds that Capoeira was developed by runaway slaves who formed communities in the interior of Brazil.

What are the two theories regarding the origin of the word 'Capoeira'?

One theory suggests that 'Capoeira' comes from the name of a bird, while another theory posits that it comes from the Tupi-Guarani language, meaning 'low jungle' or 'sparse forest,' where Capoeira was practiced.

What happened to Capoeira after slavery was abolished in Brazil in 1888?

After the abolition of slavery in 1888, many former slaves moved to cities in search of better opportunities, but they faced significant challenges. Capoeira was still prohibited, and practitioners faced prison sentences if caught. Despite this, Capoeira continued to be practiced in secret.

Why was Capoeira banned in Brazil?

Capoeira was banned because it was associated with rebellion and resistance, especially after slavery was abolished. It was considered a violent activity and was often linked to street fights and clashes between different groups.

What were some consequences of Capoeira's prohibition?

The prohibition of Capoeira led to it being practiced clandestinely in remote areas, often under harsh conditions. Despite the ban, it was used in street fights and became a source of income for some practitioners who performed at parties and gatherings.

Who were some key figures in the history of Capoeira?

Notable figures in the history of Capoeira include Manduca da Praia, Nascimento Grande, Besouro Mangangá, and Mestre Bimba, who played significant roles in the development and popularization of the sport.

How did Capoeira split into different styles in the 1940s?

In the 1940s, Capoeira split into two main styles: Capoeira Angola, represented by Mestre Pastinha, which focuses on traditional techniques, and Capoeira Regional, developed by Mestre Bimba, which is more modern and dynamic.

How did Capoeira become legalized in Brazil?

Capoeira was legalized in 1940 when President Getúlio Vargas saw a Capoeira demonstration by Mestre Bimba and his group. This led to the official recognition of Capoeira as a legitimate cultural practice in Brazil.

How did Capoeira spread beyond Brazil?

Capoeira eventually became an international phenomenon, spreading worldwide with millions of practitioners. Its unique combination of martial arts, dance, and music made it appealing to people of different cultures.