Origins and History
The history of Capoeira is closely linked to the African diaspora and the resistance of enslaved people in Brazil. It is a living testimony to human resilience and creativity in the face of oppression.
Origins (16th century)
Africans enslaved and brought to Brazil developed Capoeira as a form of resistance. Disguised as dance, it allowed them to preserve their culture and train for combat.
The ban (1890-1937)
After the abolition of slavery in 1888, Capoeira was banned by the Brazilian penal code. Practitioners were persecuted and imprisoned, and the art survived underground.
The renaissance (1937)
Mestre Bimba obtained the first official authorization to teach Capoeira and founded Capoeira Regional. Mestre Pastinha preserved the more traditional Capoeira Angola.
UNESCO recognition (2014)
The Roda de Capoeira was listed as intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, recognizing its universal value.