Guia Cultural da Costa Verde

Angra dos Reis • Angra dos Reis

ASSOCIAÇÃO ABADÁ-CAPOEIRA DE ANGRA

The performance shows that capoeira is much more than a swaying rhythm

This association has done an excellent job, in particular with children and young people, under the remarkable leadership of its instructor Arisco, who represents the well reputed Associação Abadá-Capoeira in the town. The national president, Mestre Camisa, is a well known capoeirista (person adept in this sport or martial art) active in several regions of Brazil and overseas.

Classes in Angra dos Reis are separated by age groups – from five years of age to senior citizens – and are given by instructor Arisco, who in addition to the traditional rhythm also teaches and explains the history of capoeira as a dance and cultural expression.

The group also holds a number of encounters every year, including Jogos do Interior, Festival da Arte Capoeira, initiations and the exchange of belts in meetings held by capoeiristas from different regions in the country. It attracts the attention of visitors that liven and boost the town’s economy. These encounters are intended to encourage a cultural interchange between instructors and pupils, besides spreading capoeira and its noble values, such as cooperation, loyalty, cordiality and mutual respect.

Social projects in needy communities and for handicapped children, also form part of the mission of Associação Abadá-Capoeira , and assist a legion of young people. Late in the year, the Capoeira Noel event is held during which pupils dressed in costumes especially produced for the occasion parade down the streets playing, dancing and stopping to form capoeira circles in the squares, which ends up in a great festivity that includes maculelê performances and handing out gifts.

Visitors may attend capoeira lessons in the association’s facilities without previous arrangements, or come and see the group in action on the third Sunday of the month from 10 am to noon at Praça do Papão, where instructor Arisco and his pupils show their abilities, rain or shine.

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