Claim of Brazil by Pedro Álvares Cabral
The explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral (1467-1520) claimed the lands of Brazil for the Portuguese crown, initiating the transportation of enslaved people to the new colony.
First Enslaved People Arrive in Brazil
The first known shipment of enslaved people arrives in Brazil, marking the beginning of the transatlantic slave trade in the country.
First Appearance of the Word Capoeira
Between 1583 and 1598, the word "capoeira" first appeared in Portuguese in the work "Tratados Da Terra E Gente Do Brasil" by Father Fernão Cardim. In this context, "capoeira" referred to secondary vegetation or an abandoned farm.
Slave Depportation to Brazil
On average, 5,600 enslaved people were forcibly transported to Brazil each year, fostering the spread of capoeira among the African enslaved population.
Foundation of Quilombo dos Palmares
Founded by runaway slaves, Quilombo dos Palmares emerged in the current state of Alagoas. The secrecy required makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact date of its establishment.
Pictured: Serra da Barriga, in União dos Palmares, Alagoas, is the Palmares Memorial Park. The houses of Brazil's largest quilombo have been reconstructed based on historical documents.
Dutch Invasions of Quilombo dos Palmares
The Dutch invasions begin, including attacks on Quilombo dos Palmares. The social unrest on the Brazilian coast drives enslaved Africans to flee inland.
Resistance of Quilombo dos Palmares
The Dutch attempt to subjugate Quilombo dos Palmares is repelled by its inhabitants.
Expulsion of the Dutch from Brazil
The Portuguese expelled the Dutch from northeastern Brazil, forcing them to retreat from the country.
Birth of Zumbi (1655-1695)
Zumbi, the grandson of the Congolese princess Aqualtune, is born in Quilombo dos Palmares. Raised in a community of escaped slaves, Zumbi becomes a symbol of resistance and freedom for Afro-Brazilians.
Zumbi's Escape and Ganga Zumba's Leadership
At the age of 15, Zumbi escapes and returns to Palmares. In the same year, Ganga Zumba (pictured), son of Princess Aqualtune, assumes leadership of the quilombo, which has grown to over 30,000 inhabitants.
The Final Assault on Palmares
Domingos Jorge Velho (c. 1641–1705) and Vieira de Melo lead the final attack on Cerca do Macaco, the main village of the quilombo of Palmares. Although wounded, Zumbi manages to escape.
In the image: Domingos Jorge Velho in the work of Benedicto Calixto.
First trace of the word Capoeira
The word "capoeira" appears for the first time in the "Diccionario da lingua portugueza" compiled by Father D. Raphael Bluteau (1638-1734), although the meaning does not refer to the fight.
First Reference to Capoeira
In 1770, capoeira is first documented as a form of combat, describing the techniques used by enslaved Africans in Brazil. Combining fighting, dance, music, and acrobatics, capoeira developed as a means of resistance against colonial oppression.
First Police Record of Capoeira
The term "capoeira" first appears in police records with the arrest of a young man named Adão, who was sentenced to 500 lashes for involvement in a fight between capoeiristas.
Foundation of the Royal Police Guard
D. Joao VI established the Royal Police Guard, appointing Major Miguel Nunes Vidigal as its commander. Vidigal, known for his persecution of capoeiristas, was himself a skilled capoeira practitioner.
Demand for Punishment of Capoeira Practitioners
The Rio de Janeiro Military Commission requests the Ministry of War to publicly punish Black capoeira practitioners.
Emancipation of Enslaved People's Children
The Emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro II, promulgates the "Lei do Ventre Livre" (Law of Free Birth), decreeing that children born to enslaved women would be considered free, marking a significant step towards the abolition of slavery in Brazil.
Image: The first page of the "Lei do Ventre Livre" (Law of the Free Birth).
Abolition of Slavery in Brazil
Abolition of Slavery in Brazil. Princess Isabel signs the "Lei Áurea" (original letter pictured), abolishing slavery in Brazil, likely under pressure from José Carlos do Patrocínio.
Brazil's Racial Whitening Policy
Brazil's white elites adopted a 'whitening' policy, encouraging European immigration to alter the country's ethnic composition. Raimundo Nina Rodrigues contributed to this ideology through his studies and racial theories.
Birth of Mestre Pastinha (1889-1981)
Vicente Ferreira Pastinha, known as Mestre Pastinha, is born in Salvador de Bahia. He is the founder of the first capoeira Angola school and is renowned for preserving the tradition of capoeira Angola.
End of the Empire and Beginning of the First Republic in Brazil
A military coup led by Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca marked the end of the Brazilian Empire and the beginning of the First Republic, significantly impacting cultural practices, including the spread of martial arts.
Ban on African Cultural Expression in Brazil
President Marshal Deodoro da Fonseca (1827-1892) formally banned African cultural expression, including capoeira, in Brazil.
Erasure of Brazil's Slavery Period
Finance Minister Ruy Barbosa de Oliveira (1849-1923) signed a resolution to erase the period of slavery from Brazil's history, resulting in the burning of many public documents related to African slaves.
Birth of Mestre Bimba (1899-1974)
Manoel dos Reis Machado, known as Mestre Bimba, is born in Salvador de Bahia. He is considered the father of Regional capoeira. Bimba developed Regional capoeira, introducing new techniques and a structured teaching method.
Opening of Mestre Bimba's Academy
Mestre Bimba opens his Academia de Luta Regional Bahiana, later simply called capoeira Regional, in Salvador de Bahia.
Legalization of Capoeira in Brazil
President/dictator Getulio Vargas (1882-1954) legalizes various Afro-Brazilian cultural expressions, including capoeira.
Foundation of Mestre Pastinha's First Academy
Vicente Ferreira Pastinha, known as Mestre Pastinha, founded his first Capoeira Angola academy in Salvador, Bahia, preserving and spreading this traditional form of capoeira.
Official Recognition for Mestre Bimba
Mestre Bimba's academy receives official recognition from the Secretariat of Education, Health, and Public Services, becoming the first legitimate capoeira academy in Brazil and contributing to the spread and legitimization of Regional Capoeira.
Foundation of the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola
Birth of Mestre Canela (1951-2022)
Floriano Franklin Canela, known as Mestre Canela, was born in Rio de Janeiro. He started practicing capoeira as a child and founded the Mangangà group.
Capoeira Introduced at the Guanabara Police Academy
Capoeira is introduced as an effective combat practice at the Guanabara Police Academy in Rio de Janeiro.
Capoeira Recognized as a National Sport
Capoeira is recognized as the national sport of Brazil, marking a significant milestone for the discipline.
Mestre Pastinha Suffers a Cerebral Edema
Old, sick and nearly blind, Mestre Pastinha suffered a cerebral edema and was forced to leave his school premises, which were never returned to him.
Mestre Canela Leaves Brazil for Europe
At the end of 1979, Mestre Canela departed for Europe along with Mestre Zè-Maria and other Brazilian artists.
Foundation of the Capoeira Mangangà group in Viterbo
Mestre Canela settled in Viterbo and founded the Capoeira Mangangà group, starting the dissemination of capoeira in Italy.
Foundation of the International Capoeira Art and Culture Foundation (ICAPF)
Foundation of the Confederação Brasileira de Capoeira (CBC)
The Confederação Brasileira de Capoeira (CBC) is founded with the goal of preserving and spreading the culture and values of capoeira in Brazil. The first president of the CBC is José Tadeu Carneiro Cardoso, known as Mestre Gato.e Gato.
March against racism in Brazil
Brazil commemorates the 300th anniversary of King Zumbi's death with a large march against racism in Brasilia, attended by 30,000 Afro-Brazilians.
Foundation of the Federazione Italiana Capoeira (FICAP)
FICAP is recognized by FIJLKAM
The Federazione Italiana Capoeira (FICAP) is officially recognized by the Federazione Italiana Judo Lotta Karate ed Arti Marziali (FIJLKAM) to ensure the continuity of all initiatives, teaching, training, and organizations related to this discipline at a national level.
Foundation of the World Capoeira Federation (WCF)
The Capoeira roda is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
UNESCO inscribes the Capoeira roda on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognizing capoeira as a celebration born from resistance against all forms of oppression. The roda provides a sense of community and identity to a growing community, promoting dialogue between different ethnicities, social classes, and nationalities.
