Medicinal herbs and ancestry of Amapá mark Mangueira's parade
The Mangueira samba school celebrated medicinal herbs and Afro-Amapaense ancestry during its performance at Rio's special group parades.
The Estação Primeira de Mangueira concluded the first night of Rio's special group parades with a vibrant theme focusing on medicinal herbs and ancestry. This year's narrative honored Mestre Sacaca, a significant figure in Afro-Amapaense culture. The parade showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Amapá, emphasizing traditional practices, plants, and rituals of Brazil's northernmost region.
Throughout the performance, key elements included the 'garrafadas', a unique creation by Sacaca, alongside various Afro-Indigenous practices. The front commission represented the 'pretos velhos' as guardians of Amazonian knowledge, while dancers portrayed the sacred Turé ritual from Amapá's indigenous peoples, such as Galibi-Marworno, Karipuna, and Palikur, invoking the memory of Sacaca and strengthening cultural identity within the parade.
Additionally, the União dos Negros do Amapá (UNA), an institution co-founded by Sacaca that focuses on public policies in Amapá, was highlighted in the performance. This event not only celebrated cultural heritage but also served as a platform for discussing the importance of preserving these ancestral traditions, further emphasizing the critical role they play in contemporary society.