By David, on May 30th, 2010 Following on from last weekend’s very unbrazilian party, this weekend we went to a very brazilian party – a capoeira graduation party for the kids at our community centre – Tatiane Lima in Batan Favela in Bangu, Rio.
The party was held across the road from the main centre in what appeared to be a garage converted nicely into nightclub with dancefloor, bar, seating area for families and stage for VIP dignitries (us whities). We arrived early to make hotdogs for the kids, then headed on over to party. The night had been organised to celebrate the graduation from some of the kids from one level of capoeira to another.
For those who don’t know, Capoeira is a traditional brazilian street-fighting dance, where a group crowds around two fighters who show off non-combat kick and punch moves to the sound of drum and bow instruments, singing and clapping. The two fighters change between members from the crowd every minute or so. Participants in the evening exchanged belts ranging from thin white belts for beginners to big think green and yellow for the older more accomplished capoeirans.
Before the night started we had a visit from the Police – just to show they were watching I think. They stood around with their big guns for a while then buggered off. Half way through the ceremony a white guy with grey hair came into the club. Marju turned to me and guessed ‘prefeitura’ (councillor) – which turned out to be spot on. He joined us other VIPs, after much hand shaking and photographing, on the podium to watch the kids perform.
It was a very enjoyable night – great to see the children of the favela enjoying themselves and the whole community get together for a party. It’s a real privilege to be a part of such community spirit and one of the most enjoyable evenings i’ve experienced in Rio so far.
See Capoeria video and photos below.
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