Maracatu Rural is a traditional cultural expression that stands out in the town of Nazaré da Mata, located in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil.
Originating in the rural region of Pernambuco, Maracatu Rural is a variation of Maracatu, which is a form of Afro-Brazilian popular culture encompassing music and dance.
Unlike Maracatu de nação, which is more urban and has a strong influence from African traditions and the Congo court, Maracatu Rural is characterized by its ties to rural traditions and country life.
Maracatu is a manifestation of Brazilian folklore involving dance and music.
Its origins date back to the Colonial Brazil era and consist of a blend of African, Portuguese, and indigenous cultures.
Video about Maracatu Rural in Pernambuco
Maracatu Rural em Nazaré da Mata em Pernambuco01:53
Saiba mais sobre o Maracatu Rural (Baque Solto)04:42
Maracatu Rural
1. Characteristics of Maracatu Rural
- Rhythm and Music: Maracatu Rural is marked by vibrant rhythms and dances involving drums, caixas, and other percussion instruments. The music is lively and relates to rural life, reflecting the agricultural environment and local festivals.
- Costumes and Representations: Participants in Maracatu Rural often wear colorful and elaborate costumes that mimic the attire of ancient African nobles or kings. Additionally, the parade includes characters representing folklore figures and local culture.
- Parade and Ritual: During celebrations, there is a parade that moves through various streets and squares, where dance and music capture the public’s attention. The event is a form of cultural expression and serves as a means of preserving traditions.
- Festivities and Celebrations: Maracatu Rural is especially celebrated during Carnival but can also occur during other local festivals and events. The celebrations are a time of great festivity and are enjoyed by both locals and tourists.
2. Influence of African Religiosity
Maracatu Rural from Nazaré da Mata, Pernambuco, is a notable example of the influence of African religiosity on Brazilian culture. This cultural phenomenon features characteristics rooted in the religions brought by enslaved Africans and their integration with local traditions.
- Symbolism and Rituals: Maracatu Rural incorporates symbols and rituals with roots in African religious practices. The caboclos de lança, for example, have a symbolic function related to protection and connection with the sacred. They perform a role similar to spiritual warriors in African traditions, representing spiritual protection of the parade.
- Costumes and Allegories: The costumes and allegories used during the parade have deep meanings and are often associated with African deities and entities. The richness of the costumes, with colorful details and adornments, reflects the influence of traditional African ritual garments used to honor and connect with the spiritual world.
- Music and Dance: The music of Maracatu Rural features percussion instruments with African origins, such as drums and alfaias. The accompanying dance also includes elements reminiscent of African ritual dances used to celebrate and connect with spiritual forces.
- Language and Song: Singing during the parade, often performed in African languages or hybrid dialects, preserves aspects of African ritualistic communication. Song lyrics may reference sacred and mythological elements from African religions, contributing to cultural and religious preservation.
- Divisions and Hierarchies: The structure of the parade, with roles such as the mestres puxadores and the caboclos de lança, may reflect hierarchies and divisions found in African religious practices. These roles are crucial for the organization and execution of rituals during the parade.
The presence and influence of African religiosity in Maracatu Rural highlight the continuity and adaptation of religious traditions brought by Africans to Brazil, integrating them meaningfully into local culture and Carnival.
3. When did Maracatu Originate?
Maracatu has Afro-Brazilian origins and emerged in the state of Pernambuco in the 18th century. Its earliest expression is dated to 1711.
4. Maracatu Rural in the Carnival of Nazaré da Mata
Upon arriving in Nazaré da Mata, Pernambuco, even on the road, one notices that the town acquires a special vibrancy at this time of year. This is not just due to Carnival decorations but the attire of the caboclos de lança who arrive noisily for the gathering of maracatu nations.
The traditional parade, with nearly 100 groups, takes over the town square of Nazaré da Mata, renewing itself each year with the participation of women. With about 30,000 inhabitants and located about an hour from the capital, Recife, the town in the Pernambuco hinterland is the epicenter of Maracatu Rural (or baque solto), which is closely linked to sugarcane plantations, a significant tradition in the region.
Unlike Maracatu de baque virado, where the sound of alfaias (percussion instruments) is predominant, the Maracatu Rural parade is driven by the allegories of court costumes and caboclos de lança, in addition to the mestres puxadores, who provide rhythm and lead the parade.
The figure of the caboclo de lança, symbolizing protection within the parade, is usually embodied by respected men in the community. However, this tradition is changing. On this Monday, one of the first groups to perform was Coração Nazareno, composed entirely of women from a local association.
Traditionally, women’s roles were limited to queens of the court or baianas and costume-making, but this group demonstrates that women can also be the warriors of maracatu. “Some still look askance. But we raise our flag,” said the group’s leader.
Maracatu Rural is thus a genuinely Brazilian expression created in Pernambuco and is notably present in the cities of Olinda, Recife, and Nazaré da Mata.
Northeast and Pernambuco Tourist Guide
