To honour the famous freedom fighter Zumbi dos Palmares, leader of the Brazilian Maroons, the Charles Town Maroons are hosting a special 2-day Capoeira event in the historic town of Charles Town, Portland, on the 18th & 19th of November 2011.
Capoeira was a martial discipline originally created amongst the Maroons who, under the leadership of Zumbi, formed the republic of Quilombo dos Palmares in what is now Brazil, and who constantly had to fight off the Portuguese settlers. Over time Capoeira developed to comprise martial arts, dance, music and general athleticism.
Charles Town makes the perfect venue for this event, as the town is famous throughout history for its anti-slavery stance, and home to a community of Maroons, whose ancestors were from Ghana in West Africa and who have contributed so much to Jamaica’s culture.
The event is one of several being held in Jamaica, organised by Capoeira Alafia & Grupo Cativeiro Capoeira Jamaica.