Capoeira is officially considered as an intangible cultural heritage of Brazil, developed by Africans (Angolans) at the beginning of the 16th century. It is a form of the martial arts that combines the elements of acrobatics, dance, and music. A practitioner of the sport is known as a capoeirista. The name of the sport was originated from the Tupi words ka’a meaning “jungle” and e puer meaning “it was” and refers to the areas of low vegetation in the interior of the Brazil where fugitive slaves would hide.
General History
Charreria originated in the 16th century when Spanish conquerors brought horses and cattle in America. The vast agricultural landscape of Texas allowed them to raise cattle and practise their herding as a sport. Very soon, this sport became an integral part of the Mexican tradition.
At the start of the 1930s decade, Mexican president Abelardo Rodriguez, declared charrería to be the country’s national sport. Also, since 2007, an annual world Charreria championship is held in Oregon by the Unión de Asociaciones de Charros de Oregon.
Participants
The sport can be played anywhere but is mostly played in a roda. It is a circle formed by capoeira musical instruments and capoeiristas and each of the participants sings some typical songs and claps their hands following the music.
