Capoeira Is Awarded Title of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

11/27/2014 - 09h02

The Brazilian martial art Capoeira was included in the UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on Wednesday, November 26th.

The decision was made in the 9th Session of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, being held in Paris.

The committee placed capoeira alongside other Brazilian cultural expressions such as samba - an Afro-Brazilian dance original from the state of Bahia - and frevo - a musical style originating from the state of Pernambuco, which already composed this list.

Representatives from the National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage (Iphan), responsible for submitting the report for scrutiny, attended the vote in France.

The award does not encompass a prize in money, but, according to Jurema Machado, president of Iphan, "it improves conditions for safeguarding this specific art form".

According to the press office at the Ministry of Culture, any effects that may result from this acknowledgement will not be direct or immediate, but, at any rate, the title will help this cultural expression to stand out.

Capoeira dates back to the 17th century, when Brazil was under colonial rule and slavery. Today it is practiced in over 160 countries.

Translated by CRISTIANE COSTA LIMA

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