The importance of capoeira to the Brazilian people

Abstract

This article aims to understand the importance of capoeira as one of the national identities of the Brazilian people. The methodology used in this study was a qualitative idiographic interpretation. Because according to Gaya et al (2008, p.58), "... the interpretive investigations intend to understand and interpret the meanings of phenomena and social actions". The analysis instrument used was a literature review on the subject of capoeira, so as to check the various identities constructed by capoeira throughout the Brazilian history and how the ruling classes and the Brazilian government have dealt with this popular culture. ... ". The results obtained from this research was that at some time in Brazilian history capoeira suffered great repression by the state and constituted itself as a culture of resistance to the adversity encountered by their creators. At another point it is legalized and encouraged as a national sport, by the Brazilian government, which tries to manipulate its true history and traditions.