You are enjoying the end of the afternoon with the beautiful view of Serra do Ibitipoca in front of you, when suddenly around 20 members of the congado group from Santana do Garambéu enter, singing and dancing.
At the invitation of the Ibiti Projeto, the group asks permission to share a tradition that has been preserved for decades, passed down from generation to generation. And they present their stories at the Yucca restaurant, in Mogol, for a group of guests and the community.
Congado is an Afro-Brazilian cultural and religious manifestation that dates back to the colonial period, emerging as a form of resistance and preservation of African identities. The popular dances and songs, to the sound of drums, rattles on the feet, tambourines and accordions, recall the ancient verses sung by black people, celebrating Catholic saints, especially Saint Benedict and Our Lady of the Rosary, patron saints of black people in Brazil.
At times, the public was also invited to participate, joining the circle and joining in the act, which reinforces the community and inclusive nature of the celebration.
Resistance and legacy
“I continued with the group, which was founded by my grandfather, João Domingo da Silva, and his companions over a hundred years ago. We danced barefoot and with white scarves on our heads. In my family, there were 12 to 15 members, and today I am the only one left. I try to pass it on to the younger ones. I don’t give up,” says João Domingo Neto, who is over 80 years old and is moved to see his efforts being valued and admired.
Thus, the Ibiti Project keeps cultural roots alive, recognizing the importance of learning from the past, living in the present and reimagining the future.
