Although it is a 500-year-old art form, Capoeira continues to captivate the attention of the world to date. In the recent past, particularly, Capoeira’s popularity has shot up rather dramatically. It is referred to as many things by different individuals- a game, a dance, and a martial heart. Above anything, however, Capoeira is a form of expression and a symbol of African culture.  

Today, Capoeira has become rather ubiquitous. Capoeira is practiced in parks, schools, and professional institutions, and the inimitable and eye-catching style of this martial art makes it instantly recognizable. As a matter of fact, the athletic movements associated with this martial art are considered by many to have sown the seeds of modern break dancing, further adding to its importance in the context of culture. 

Capoeira’s exact origins, known for their pronounced secretiveness, remain obscure due to an acute shortage of historical evidence. This article attempts to educate the uninitiated on this unique African martial art and other various wonderful aspects associated with Capoeira. Read on to find out.

How is Capoeira Played as a Sport? 

Two individuals adorned in white clothes kneel to the ground to play this sport, preparing to engage in a duel. They are enclosed in a circle by other players who sing, clap, and play the ancestral sounds of the berimbau, a single-stringed bow-shaped instrument, to create a rhythm for the fighting.   

The opponents shake hands with each other before commencing the match. A rhythmic battle ensues as the two players immerse in an arabesque exhibition of dynamic attack and defense movements. These movements are infused with dance-like moves and playful acrobatics, as the individuals strive continuously to craft a strategy that would lead to the other’s undoing.  

They tenaciously explore each other’s strengths and weaknesses in the hope of uncovering a moment of neglect, which they then utilize to inflict the decisive blow. 

By Marie-Lan Nguyen, CC BY 2.5, Link

A Brief History of Capoeira 

To understand why Capoeira is so important in the context of African culture and tradition, it is important to dive into its history. It is a direct outcome of almost 300 years of slavery in Brazil. It is considered to have been created in the 16th century by enslaved Africans who were taken across the Atlantic Ocean (from West Africa to Brazil) by Portuguese colonists. 

At the time, their oppressors forbade the enslaved Africans from practicing their martial arts as well as celebrating their cultural customs. This, in turn, prompted them to devise Capoeira in a bid to go around both of these laws. 

Gradually, this African martial art picked up momentum and started being practiced widely across plantations with the intention of fighting slavery, both physically and mentally. The training was imparted to those who wanted to be part of the rebellion. More than anything, Capoeira was a means of breaking the cruel fetters of slavery.  

However, the prevalent Brazilian code during the time officially prohibited the practice of this art, considering it as a social infirmity. Soon “capoeiristas”, or the masters who performed Capoeira, started to be regarded as outlaws. So much so, that the term Capoeira was made interchangeable with “bum”, “bandit”, and “thief”, and these masters gained a notorious reputation. 

The practitioners of Capoeira, for their part, were anything but discouraged by this. Instead, they took their art to marginal places and masqueraded it as a form of dancing, all the while continuing to impart training to interested folks. The violent kicks associated with Capoeira and its fighting were now concealed within its musical and rhythmic elements.  

Now, it could no longer be identified as an attempt to preserve a particular tradition. And so, this one-of-its-kind war dance and fighting established itself both as a survival tool as well as a cultural identity.   

The Rise of Capoeira’s Tradition 

Brazil, from 1500-1815, was colonized by the Portuguese Crown. This empire relied extensively on slave labor, consisting of enslaved Africans, to sustain itself. It is believed that until the mid-19th century, Brazil witnessed the shipping of an estimated four million enslaved people. 

Capoeira empowered several enslaved people to escape the clutches of their oppressors. Once free, they formed rebellion groups called quilombos and started establishing communities outside the Portuguese territory. 

The main objective of these communities was to present stiff resistance to the Portuguese Crown. Many of these communities are famous for their valorous defenses and for acting as strongholds against colonial rule. In this quest, Capoeira is thought to be a pivotal part of their cultural practice and defense.  

During the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the rising number of cities brought with them a larger population, which subsequently resulted in larger communities of enslaved people. Within these communities, Capoeira reigned large as the most popular form of entertainment.  

Besides being practiced as a form of martial arts or self-defense, Capoeira was primarily performed for pleasure during this time. Even though performers continued to be punished for practicing Capoeira, this unique form of fighting survived regardless. 

However, the end of slavery in Brazil ushered in a dark phase for Capoeira. This was because many of its martial elements started being used for committing crimes. With the Brazilian population expanding in the 19th century, crime reached new heights within the urban centers, Capoeira being the weapon of choice of the perpetrators.  

Towards the beginning of the 20th century, Capoeira became more widespread. It was practiced by bodyguards, mercenaries, and outlaws and, up to a certain degree, by politicians as a means of swaying constituents. 

During this era, a powerful social current flowing through Brazil gradually paved the path for the transformation of Capoeira into a less aggressive weekend pastime. Stories both romanticizing and reviling Capoeira masters and their practices were common at the time.  

The Role of Mestre Bimba 

The 1930s saw the oppression of Capoeira reducing drastically. During this time a popular master, or Mestre, was beginning to gain recognition for his efforts towards restoring the historical perspective and dignity of the Capoeira of his time. His name was Bimba.  

Born in 1899, Bimba scripted history by becoming the first master to open a formal Capoeira school. This school went by the name Luta Regional. By 1937, the government had granted official recognition to the school, thus changing the course of Capoeira for times to come.  

By Paul R. Burley, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

This development sealed its status as an important symbol of culture and took its popularity to unprecedented heights. Additionally, Bimba is also credited with developing the Capoeira regional style, a practice known for emphasizing the technicality of movements and a dance-like nature. 

The Future of Capoeira 

Capoeira has come a long way from its humble origins to establish itself as a cultural symbol of present-day Brazil. Now, it has become an intrinsic part of their tradition. From giving rise to entertaining choreographed dances to teaching basic acrobatics and martial arts, it is performed in different contexts in the country. Its practice and training are now actively promoted throughout the region. Additionally, the immense popularity of the annual batizado exists as an excellent tourist attraction of sorts, with visitors flocking in great numbers to catch a glimpse of it. 

What are the origins of Capoeira? 

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian training that combines combat, dance, and music. Although Capoeira’s meaning remains the subject of much debate, many believe that capoeira is derived from the Angolan term “caboa huéra” or “human cup,” referring to ancient African tribal cup fighting tradition. 

Going by its history, it is believed that Capoeira was developed by slaves and brought to Brazil from Africa during the 16th century. These slaves learned the art of fighting in Brazil as a means to defend themselves from the slave owners and slave traders. Realizing that they were outnumbered and not equipped enough to fend for themselves in Brazil, the slaves developed this graceful martial art from what they did know, i.e., dance. Slowly, it went on to become a part of their culture and tradition. 

In that manner, Capoeira was born out of a combination of forces from culture, society, and history. It was not the result of a single slave’s struggle but developed from thousands of years of African slaves’ combat techniques, European stick fighting, and other influences.  

By Fábio Ericeira, CC0, Link

How is Capoeira used today? 

Capoeira is practiced as a celebration of life as much as it is as a serious martial arts self-defense technique. While the secret art of Capoeira was born from the African slaves brought to Brazil during the introduction of slavery in the 1500s, it took a modern form years later. 

This art is combined with music and combat techniques indigenous to Brazil. Capoeira is based on a fusion between African tradition, martial arts, and attack/defense techniques that resemble traditional European combative systems. 

One event that all Capoeira practitioners look forward to is the Batizado. This ceremony is a part of the Brazilian tradition. A Batizado is a gathering of capoeiristas. Every year, groups of capoeira practitioners from cities or regions gather to play, show their skills to the public, and demonstrate the diversity of this martial art during a Batizado.  

How does Capoeira work? 

Capoeira dance is not really a martial arts training, or a dance sport, but rather somewhere in between. However, those who practice it are formidable. Capoeira has been described as “the martial art that doesn’t hurt” as it takes you on a non-violent journey during the training.  

Capoeira brings to the table moves that come together to take the form of martial arts, which seems graceful and easy to perform. It is a game of self-defense and combat but practiced without any weapons or physical violence. Capoeira fight is a set of movements that requires physical strength, agility, and lots of concentration — after all, Capoeira is Portuguese for “to move quickly” — which is exactly what you do with this practice. 

Brazil’s very intriguing Capoeira dance is known for its fast and complex maneuvers, predominantly involving kicks. The practice largely consists of cartwheels, in which practitioners leap with their legs, hands, and arms fully extended so that the body forms an X and bowls over one or more somersaults. 

What are the benefits of Capoeira? 

The Brazilian dance fighting, Capoeira, is a practice of discipline for health, life within a community, and interaction with nature. It also promotes creativity by stimulating a way of seeing the world through the eyes of the African diaspora. 

The philosophy of the ancient practice of Capoeira helps individuals get in touch with their body through basic movements, easy routines, and a toning workout. It is beneficial for both children and adults since it allows one to lose weight, build stamina, and increase flexibility and balance. 

The Brazilian Capoeira is practiced as a way of culture and life, where defense techniques become an art form, giving way to a perfect blend of the mind, body, and spirit.  

By Marie-Lan Nguyen, CC BY 2.5, Link

Capoeira is not a sport. It is a martial art, a discipline, and a way of living that finds its foundation in body movement and fighting. It is a remarkably agile form of activity that was developed by African slaves in Brazil and is currently practiced across the globe. It allows you to move like a dancer and keep yourself safe at the same time. When you use it well, Capoeira brings several benefits for the body, mind, and soul.  

How does it look?

The bright yellow diamond in the heart of the flag has a dark green backdrop. At the middle of this yellow figure lies a blue globe with 27 white five-pointed stars of different sizes and a white banner with the motto ‘Ordem E Progresso’, which reads as ‘Order and Progress’, when translated into English. 

How did it look in the past?

During the Brazilian Empire, Brazil’s national flag was slightly different from the one we see today. Back then, the center of the flag had an imperial coat of arms with a blue circle and stars neatly arranged inside it in addition to the yellow and green elements. Brazil became a republic in 1889, and a blue globe replaced the imperial arms on the flag with 21 stars inside and a white band bearing the national motto. This was modified as a blue globe with 27 stars of different sizes resembling the positions of the constellations visible in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The first flag of the Brazilian empire:

What do the colors mean? 

The green color stood for the royal house of Bragança to which Dom Pedro, Brazil’s first emperor, belonged. Dom Pedro’s wife was a descendant of the house of Habsburg, and the imperial colors were black and yellow. Yellow for the center of the flag is said to be suggested by her. The blue and white of the flag that was adopted by the Brazilian Empire symbolized the Virgin Mary. This highlighted Brazil’s deep roots in Catholicism.

These colors also reflect the Portuguese origins of the country as blue and white are also present in Portugal’s coat of arms. The colors of Brazil’s flag are also representative of the Brazilian landscape with the green symbolizing the verdure of the Amazon rainforest and the yellow representing the country’s soil and wealth, specifically its gold reserves. Interestingly, any legal document does not mention the specific shade of these colors. Thus, designers are free to use close approximations of the original shade while printing flags. 

When was the Brazil’s flag adopted?

The first version of the current flag was adopted on November 19, 1889. It was just four days after Brazil became a republic. The design was conceived by Raimundo Teixeira Mendes, who was assisted by Décio Villares, Miguel Lemos, and Manuel Pereira Reis. The flag was modified in 1960, 1968, and 1971 to accommodate the new territories that had become states. The flag we see today was adopted on May 12, 1992, after adding four stars to represent the states created after the last modification. 

Flag’s nickname

Brazil’s flag is known as Bandeira do Brasil in Portuguese. Auriverde, Portuguese for golden-green, is another name for the flag. It refers to the two primary colors of the flag. 

What do the stars mean on Brazil’s Flag?

The stars are an integral part of the flag. Along with being the representation of all the states in the country, they are arranged in a pattern that corresponds to the positions of various constellations in the early morning sky of the Southern Hemisphere seen from the city of Rio de Janeiro on November 15, 1889, the day Brazil became a republic. In the current version, the stars are rearranged slightly to ensure accuracy according to their astronomical coordinates. 

Has the number of stars changed?

Just like the flag of the United States of America, Brazil’s flag has a star for each of the 26 states and the Federal District. However, unlike the ones on the U.S. flag, the stars on the Brazilian flag were not automatically modified every time an individual territory got statehood. At times, the number of states in the country varied from the number of stars on the flag. The number of stars has changed over the years because of the newly formed states. While there were 21 stars in the flag adopted when Brazil shifted from an empire to a republic, there are 27 stars in the final form approved on May 12, 1992. 

The first flag of Republican Brazil with 21 stars:

Slogan and the meaning behind it

The slogan ‘Ordem e Progresso’ translates to ‘Order and Progress’ in English, and this motto in Latin America signified as the underlying theme for having a thriving democracy. The political leaders in Brazil believed that democracy was the best form of government, and a well-educated citizenry (order) and a growth in economic transactions (progress) are instrumental in ensuring its success. 

Thus, Brazil’s flag is symbolic of the nation’s glorious past, its abundant natural resources, and the country’s determination to strive for order and progress. 

Are you planning a trip to Brazil this year? Here is a list of Brazilian food that you cannot afford to miss on your visit to this exotic country in South America.

Coxinhas

Coxinhas is a hearty deep-fried snack, known for its crispy texture and soft stuffing of shredded chicken, catupiry or cream cheese, and mashed potato. The dough of the wheat flour takes the shape of a chicken drumstick, hence the name. Brazil’s favorite snack, Coxinhas will entice you with its exceptional taste of the fine blend of ingredients.  

Brigadeiro

Satiate your sweet tooth with Brazil’s chocolate truffle or Brigadeiro. Made from condensed milk, cocoa powder, and covered in chocolate sprinkles, they are going to lift your mood. They got their name from Brigadier Eduardo Gomes, a political leader in the 1940s, and have been famous since World War II.

Pão de Queijo or Brazilian Cheese bread

If you are a cheese lover, you must try these gluten-free Brazilian cheese breads. These crispy little puff rolls made with cassava flour and filled with mushy cheese are surely going to melt in your mouth. 

Farofa

A part of the salty and savory food group in Brazilian cuisine, it is prepared by mixing tapioca flour with small pieces of fried bacon. It is generally a side dish alongside rice and beans that help in absorbing the smoky flavor of the bacon. 

Feijão Tropeiro 

If you are fond of Brazilian food, you will fall in love with Feijão Tropeiro or Troppeiro beans. This ultimate dish from Minas Gerais constitutes sausage, eggs, beans, manioc flour and collard greens.

Açaí

The super-food around the world, açaí, is a traditional purple berry in Brazil that people consume in the form of frozen sorbet, juice, smoothie, powder, sauce, and even in its raw berry form.  Topped with fruits like strawberry or banana and granola, it is easily available in every supermarket, local store, café, restaurant, juice corner and bakery across Brazil. You can also purchase açaí beer and açaí vodka in the markets of Brazil.

Pastéis

When traveling in Brazil, you must try these delicious finger foods. Deep-fried with sumptuous fillings of cheese, beef or codfish and vegetables, these crispy brown treats taste irresistible when dipped in Tabasco or any other hot sauce.

Mousse de Maracujá

The creamy and mouth-watering passion fruit mousse is a favorite Brazilian dessert that has tropical passion fruit pulp as the main ingredient. Other ingredients include whipped cream or condensed milk, and egg whites. 

Feijoada

Feijoada is a fatty yet delicious pot of stew made from the pig’s ear and trotters and black beans, and is one of the most popular dishes in the restaurants and bars in Brazil. The national food of Brazil, it is served with fried kale, bacon bits, rice, farofa, a slice of orange and a tipple of cachaça to wash it down. Some of the best places to try feijoada are in the restaurants in the Santa Teresa neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro and the city of São Paulo.

Bolinho de Chuva

Originally inherited from Portuguese kitchens, these Brazilian sweet treats or ‘little cakes of rain’ are a favorite with evening coffees. Sometimes stuffed with sweet whipping cream or doce de leite, the light Bolinhos de chuva are dusted with plain sugar or cinnamon.

Moqueca de Camarão 

Traditional Brazilian food from the state of Bahia in Brazil, this aromatic stew is slow-cooked with prawns or fish, coconut milk, garlic, coriander, diced tomatoes, and vegetables. Interestingly, the two neighboring states in Brazil, Baianos and Capixabas, both claim to have invented the dish.

Beijinho de Coco

An all-time Brazilian party favorite, Beijinho de Coconame or ‘little kiss of coconuts’ are little balls made with condensed milk and butter mixed together and coated in coconut flakes. This sweet and delectable mouth-sized dessert with a clove topping not only looks tempting but tastes delicious.

Vatapá

Vatapá is a tasty shrimp stew made with bread, coconut milk, groundnuts, and dendê or palm oil. Accentuated with herbs, this is a common household dish in the northern areas of Brazil. In Bahia, people enjoy this dish with white rice and acarajé.  

Bauru

A Brazilian classic, the Bauru sandwich, was the invention of a Brazilian law student named Casemiro Pinto Neto in an eatery in São Paulo in the 1930s. Bauru is a French bread roll with melted mozzarella cheese, slices of roast beef, pickled cucumbers, and tomatoes in it.

Créme De Papaya

Creme de papaya, also called creme de mamão, is a Brazilian dessert that dates back to the late 1980s. Very popular throughout the 1990s in Brazil, this dessert is a blend of the aromatic fresh papaya and vanilla ice cream. While the dessert has lost its status nowadays, you can still find it in some Brazilian churrascarias in the US and other countries. 

Acarajé

Acarajé are black-eyed bean fritters with stuffed prawns and vatapá, a spicy puree of pawns and cashew nuts. They are deep-fried and served steaming hot with chili oil. Originally from Bahia, the flavors have strong roots in African cooking. The authentic method for preparing these fritters is exhaustive; however, they still top the charts in the list of popular street food and snacks. 

Romeu e Julieta

Romeu e Julieta is the incredible combination of a thick guava jelly or ‘goiabada cascão’ and slices of white cheese from the populated state of Minas Gerais. Just like Romeo and Juliet, this sweet and savory pairing in this wonderful dish is a culinary marvel to die for. 

Misto Quente

Misto Quente is a daily favorite among snack options in Brazilian households. Sold on every nook and corner in the Brazilian streets, this is a French toast that is stuffed with ham and grilled later with melted cheese. You can enjoy this snack along with a glass of fresh fruit juice.

Requeijão

Requeijão is Brazil’s answer to cream cheese, only a more flavored and condensed form of milk. The locals love to eat this like a spread on toasts. Some people also use this versatile product in baked rice and macarronada or the pasta. 

Mandioca Frita

If you are looking for a portion of healthier snacking finger food, look no further. Mandioca Frita is fried and crispy cassava that is sure to satisfy your hunger in an instant. 

Salpicão

Salpicão is a Brazilian chicken salad that is perfect for summer. Although it may have many variations, fried potato sticks, peas, raisins, carrots, corn, and apples make delicious toppings on this dish. Most of the times, this is made with a cream and mustard dressing instead of mayonnaise. This is a quick, nutritious and a refreshing salad that you can enjoy anytime.

Pavé

Brazilians are experts at making desserts, and one such marvelous creation is a Pavé. Just like tiramisu, a Pavé is a mouthwatering dessert that needs no baking. Delicious layers of a combination of fruits like bananas and pineapples, creams, cookies, and biscuits, and occasional toppings of dulce de leche, is what a Pavé is all about.

Empadão

Commonly found in botecos and street food stalls, an Empadão is like a chicken pot pie. It has a crispy, crunchy crust and a savory filling of chicken, corn, and other vegetables. Although families relish this dish as a dinner or lunch dish on the weekends, nearly all snack bars throughout Brazil sell the mini snack versions of Empadão. 

Quindim

The custard, Quindim is inspired by the Portuguese style of cooking their food with a heavy usage of egg yolks. Quindim is a glossy yellow flan with added coconut flakes and sugar. Quindim is made in a large ring mold, also called “quindão” and then cut in slices.

Canjica

Canjica is made by mixing a bowl of whole pieces of maize kernels with some coconut milk and cooking it with milk until it is soft. You can also add condensed milk to get a creamy texture. This enviable dessert tastes wonderful with sprinkles of cinnamon on top. This is a must-have dish during the annual June Festival.  Although it is too tasty to save for just once a year, it is easy to find year-round.

Just like the vibrant and diverse country of Brazil, eating the aromatic Brazilian food is an equally delightful experience, that you will cherish for a lifetime.