Raízes do Brasil Capoeira - New York

Zumbi was born inside the "Quilombo dos Palmares" (largest maroon colony of escaped slaves), 1655. The complex of Palmares was located in what is today's the state of Alagoas (Serra da Barriga), northeast Brazil. Its population was composed not only of escaped African slaves but also of native Brazilian Indians and other mixed races (Mestiços). It had an organized government system similar to an African Kingdom with a King and his Assembly. The best warriors on battles were chosen King; "Zumbi" was the most notorious King of all. The "Quilombo dos Palmares" fought for 65 years against Portuguese & Dutch colonizers, but was finally destroyed in 1694 by Domingos Jorge Velho and his troops. Zumbi, however, managed to escape and many believed that he was immortal. Wanted by the authorities, he was captured on November 20th, 1695. He was killed and beheaded on the spot. His head was brought by the authorities to a public Plaza at the "vila do Recife" to show the people that he was not immortal. "Zumbi" is considered a national hero and warrior, a symbol of freedom; his name became a capoeira legend.