Queens will come alive with the rhythms and energy of Afro-Brazilian culture for the Capoeira festival.
Capoeira Luanda Queens will host Energia em Queens, a three-day celebration of the Afro-Brazilian martial art from May 1 to 3, with events taking place in both Whitestone and Rego Park.
The festival commemorates 50 years since Capoeira was first introduced in the United States and will bring together a full lineup of guest teachers, masters and students from across the U.S. and Brazil for a weekend of rodas, workshops and cultural demonstrations.
The celebration kicks off on Thursday, May 1, with an Open Roda led by Professora Trindade at JHS 194 in Whitestone, located at 154-60 17th Avenue, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, May 2 and 3, the event moves to Valence College Prep in Rego Park, where workshops will be led by renowned Capoeira instructors including CM Sabiá, M. Pimentinha, Professor Manhosa, and M. Chuvisco. Programming includes sessions for both adults and children, culminating in a special “Cordas & Demo” belt presentation and roda on Saturday afternoon.
Pricing for Energia em Queens is available in multiple tiers. Admission for the full three-day experience is $140. Attendees may also register for Friday only for $60, or Saturday for $90. Individual workshops are priced at $40, while rodas cost $20. An official event shirt will be available for $20, and a special family package is being offered for households attending together.
The event is organized by Professora Trindade and supervised by Mestre Jelon Vieira, a legendary figure credited with introducing Capoeira to the United States in the 1970s. Mestre Jelon’s influence helped bring the martial art to international stages through public performances, educational initiatives and cultural exchange.
Capoeira, which fuses martial arts, dance, music, acrobatics, and philosophy, was developed by enslaved Africans in Brazil as a form of cultural resistance. In 2014, UNESCO recognized it as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a designation that acknowledges its global cultural importance.
Energia em Queens is supported by community partners and sponsors including Gaivota, Crystal Arte Visual, Thobom, the Law Office of Steven Alizio and Visory Health. For registration and event updates, visitors are encouraged to follow Capoeira Luanda Queens on social media or attend one of the scheduled sessions.
