What is a Berimbau?
The berimbau is a traditional musical instrument of African origin and the main symbol of capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines movement, music, and culture.
More than just an instrument, the berimbau plays a central role in capoeira. It controls the rhythm of the game, sets the speed of the movements, and influences the energy inside the capoeira circle.
Traditionally handmade, the berimbau is made from a wooden bow, a steel wire, a dried gourd, and simple accessories that allow the player to change the sound. These elements reflect traditional knowledge passed down through generations and a strong connection to nature and Afro-Brazilian history.
During a capoeira game, the berimbau leads the music and guides the interaction between the players. It does not simply accompany the game — it directs it, helping maintain balance, respect, and communication within the roda.
Learning about the berimbau means discovering an essential part of capoeira culture and Afro-Brazilian heritage. It is a unique way to understand the history, values, and traditions that shape this living cultural expression.
What You’ll Experience During the Workshop
We offer exclusively private, personalized experiences, created for a deep and meaningful cultural immersion.
Enjoy an authentic cultural experience in Itacaré and discover the berimbau, the ancestral instrument that guides capoeira and symbolizes the strength of Afro-Brazilian culture.
The berimbau workshop takes place in two parts.
In the first part, you take part in the handcrafted making of a berimbau. You learn about the natural materials used, their origins and meanings, and participate in the different stages of creating the instrument, in connection with traditional knowledge passed down through generations.
In the second part, the workshop continues with an introduction to playing the berimbau. You learn how to produce the basic sounds, recognize the fundamental rhythms, and understand the role of the berimbau in capoeira, including how it guides the game, the energy, and communication within the roda.
This is an immersive, respectful, and accessible experience that connects gesture, sound, history, and bodily expression.
Berimbau lessons can also be booked separately for those who wish to focus exclusively on musical practice and learning traditional rhythms.
