Sapucaí receives parades on African ancestry and the history of samba
On April 17, the Marquês de Sapucaí in Rio de Janeiro hosts four parades celebrating African ancestry and the history of samba in Brazil.
On April 17, the Marquês de Sapucaí in Rio de Janeiro is set to feature four vibrant parades that delve into the themes of African ancestry and the rich cultural history of samba. One of the highlights will be the Paraíso do Tuiuti samba school's presentation titled "Lonã Ifá Lukumi," which draws inspiration from the Afro-Cuban religious tradition known as Santería, rooted in Yoruba culture. This event aims to showcase the cultural and spiritual ties between Cuba and Brazil, emphasizing their shared African heritage and the paths of resistance upheld through faith and oral tradition.
The samba school's performance aims to start from a spiritual perspective, recounting the creation of the world, nature, and humanity in relation to the significance of Ifá in their lives. As part of this narrative, the first sector tells the story of Ifá's arrival on Earth in Ifé, which is revered in Yoruba culture as the first city of humanity where the first men and women originated. This presentation not only seeks to celebrate samba as a music and dance form but also as a profound expression of cultural identity and history, inviting audiences to appreciate the deeper meanings and connections within this art form.
The parades at Marquês de Sapucaí serve as a channel for reflecting on Brazil’s Afro-descendant heritage and the impacts of Afro-Brazilian religions, providing insight into the cultural dynamics that shape Brazilian society today. This event enhances the visibility of African traditions and encourages a collective recognition of their significance in shaping Brazil's historical and cultural landscape, thereby fostering a sense of pride and continuity among Afro-Brazilian communities and their allies.