Capoeira is a singular Brazilian cultural expression. Its origins trace back to Africans brought to Brazil as enslaved people, who created this martial art as a means of self-defense and a form of resistance against the system of exploitation.

卡波耶拉是一种巴西的文化表现形式，它的起源可以追溯到贩运非洲奴隶的时代。作为自我防卫的手段，黑人奴隶创造了这种武术，同时也是一种反抗压迫的方式。

Disguised as a dance to deceive slave owners, it was viewed with suspicion by the government. Authorities persecuted its practitioners in the 19th century, yet the practice spread throughout the country. Interestingly, Emperor Dom Pedro II admired capoeira and even became an enthusiast himself.

为了避免引起奴隶主的怀疑，卡波耶拉被伪装成舞蹈的形式，因此也被称作“巴西战舞”。十九世纪时，尽管卡波耶拉遭到政府查禁，但这种武术仍然在巴西全国广泛流传。有趣的是，巴西皇帝唐·佩德罗二世十分喜爱卡波耶拉，自己也是一名习练者。

There are two main styles: Capoeira Angola, featuring slower, ground-level movements, and Capoeira Regional, which is faster, more dynamic, and closer in style to martial arts.

卡波耶拉主要分为两种形式：

• 安哥拉式卡波耶拉：动作较慢，贴近地面；
• 改良式卡波耶拉：更接近武术风格，节奏更快、动作更具动感。

It is usually performed in a circle (roda), where two players engage in the center. Music plays a key role. With lyrics blending Portuguese and expressions of Indigenous and African origin, the songs narrate what is happening in the game. In addition to rhythmic clapping, instruments such as the berimbau, atabaque, caxixi (a type of rattle), and pandeiro (tambourine) are used.

卡波耶拉通常在众人围成的圆圈中进行，两名表演者在圈中互动。音乐在卡波耶拉中扮演着重要角色。歌曲的歌词融合了葡萄牙语、印第安语和非洲语言的元素，内容通常与正在进行的动作相呼应。除拍手打节奏外，还会使用到贝林堡琴、阿塔巴克鼓、卡西西沙铃和铃鼓等乐器。

Recognized by UNESCO in 2014 as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, capoeira is seen as a symbol of Brazil’s rich cultural diversity.

2014年，联合国教科文组织将卡波耶拉列入《人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录》，成为巴西多元文化的综合体现。

International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage

北京国际非遗周

Brazil China Sociocultural Institute (Ibrachina) curated Brazil’s participation in the 2nd International Week of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Beijing from October 17 to 21, 2025. The event is organized by China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Beijing Municipal Government.

巴中社会文化研究中心（Ibrachina）组团代表巴西参加“第二届国际非物质文化遗产周”。该活动由中国文化和旅游部与北京市政府共同主办，将于2025年10月17日至21日在北京举行。

At Brazil’s booth, two Brazilian capoeiristas will be present, and audiovisual materials about Brazilian culture will be showcased.

在巴西展位上，将有两位巴西卡波耶拉大师现场展示，并播放关于巴西文化的视频素材。