Maracatu is a Brazilian cultural spectacle, from the state of Pernambuco. It combines the art forms of Music, dance and pageantry to create a unique and vibrant energy and performance. Cologne Encontro 2012 Maracatu de Baque Virado, or “Maracatu of the turned beat” has its origins in the African traditions, brought to Brazil in the 17th century. The style of the performance, of a Royal court, comes from the coronation ceremonies of the Reis do Congo (Kings of Congo), who were slaves who occupied leadership roles within the communities of slaves. In 1888, with the abolishing of slavery in Brazil, the nações or “nations” of these communities continued with the tradition of coronations. These ceremonies are rooted in the culture of Pernambuco, fusing art, religion and community into a cultural and public ceremony. This gives us the expression of Maracatu today, with a parading group of up to 100 drummers, a singer and choir, a King, Queen and Royal Court, and dancers who fulfil supporting roles in parody of the Royal Courts of Europe in the 17th century. Other elements fusing religion and community identity give credence and spirituality to the Maracatu culture.

The Music

The music of Maracatu comes from the same source of music that led to many contemporary latin and jazz styles. The drumming group consists of combinations of a bass drum called an Alfaia, a large metal bell called Gongue, snare drums called caixas or tarol and shaker instruments like the African bead and gourd instrument the Agbe (Shekere) or the long cylindrical shaker called the Mineiro. Paris Encontro 2010

While the drumming is energetic and stylized, it does follow a structure within the songs of maracatu. There are many variations on the basic rhythmic elements of maracatu as there are Nacoes that play Maracatu de Baque Virado (maracatu of the turning beat), lending a competitive and rich cultural seam to the annual carnival celebrations in Recife and Olinda. The combination of Maracatu with the other indigenous celebratory arts of North East Brazil, helps rank the pre-Lenten celebrations in the top echelon of carnivals in terms of numbers of participants and art events in the world.

History of the Maracatu Encontro

In 2006 in London, after performing a small international Maracatu presentation with Estrela Do Norte in the Notting Hill carnival of 2005, Sam Alexander and Letho Nascimento came up with the idea of creating the opportunity for a full Maracatu presentation on the streets of the Notting Hill Carnival. Aided by choreographer and event organiser Marianna Pinho, the event ran for 2 years with participants coming from across Northern Europe to take part. The Royal Court was presented and supported by over 100 musicians and 30 dancers. The success of the first year leading to a larger presentation in 2006 for the second encontro. After a break of 2008, the Encontro left the UK for Nantes in France by the group Macaiba, with the first invitation of a Mestre of Maracatu from Pernambuco. Mestre Shacon of Nacao Porto Rico led 250 people for the weekend’s training and performance. Encontro Nantes 2008In 2010 Maracatu Nacao Oju Oba of Paris invited Mestre Afonso of Maracatu Leao Coroado with 370 participants taking to the streets of Clichy. In 2012 Maracatu Colonia invited 400 participants to parade in Cologne, Germany, under the direction of Mestre Walter de Franca.

How the Encontro has developed: