North Region Dances

O North It is one of the culturally richest regions of Brazil. With a strong influence of indigenous and African peoples, the artistic manifestations places involve many colors, sounds, rhythms, flavors, dances and so on. All about the rather characteristic folk look.

Some festivities Events such as the Passion of Christ, Folia dos Três Reis Magos, Festa do Divino, Festival de Parintins and the Congadas represent the local essence and history.

The music is dance are a strong point of all this cultural affluence characteristic of the northern states. Through choreographed movements and with a lot of movement, and always accompanied by a music singular and with a strong presence, the dance presentations are a show of their own.

Interested in finding out more? Then check out our article with the dances from the north region best known and popular.

Typical dances from the most popular northern region

The history of dances in the northern states refers to the union of African, indigenous and even Portuguese peoples. As it is the largest in the country, the region presents artistic manifestations involving dance.

However, some of them stand out for their beauty, tradition and popularity. Next, check out the dances from the northern region most celebrated by the public.

1 Dances from the North Region – Maçarico

One of the most popular dances in the region of amazon. It was named after the bird "Torch” very common in the fauna of the state. The comparison arose because the dance movements are similar to the fast walking of the animal, which has thin and long legs.

For its realization, several couples are formed who move around the stage through small jumps or long strides, guided by a contagious and accelerated rhythm. Its objective is not associated with anything historical or religious celebration, but only in the enjoyment of its participants.

The garment is a spectacle of colors and details. Men wear a light shirt and pants in different colors; the women, on the other hand, wear very colorful skirts and long blouses that bring more liveliness to the dance.

2 Dances from the North Region – Carimbó

O Stamp it is so important and characteristic that it is considered Cultural Heritage of Brazil by Iphan (National Institute of Historical and Artistic Heritage). Its roots are directly linked to the Tupinambá indigenous peoples, in addition to elements of African and Portuguese culture.

The name of the dance comes from the indigenous words Curi (hollow stick) and M'bo (pierced), a direct allusion to the drum-like percussion instrument that is used during performances.

The execution of the moves is fast and engaging, having the dancers twirling and jumping all over the place. Both women (single) and couples participate.

As something characteristic of the northern region, the clothes used are very colorful, full of details and well structured. Women make use of long printed skirts and worked in strong and vibrant colors, added to body and hair accessories; men, on the other hand, wear light pants and go shirtless.

3 Dances from the North Region – Lundo Marajora

This dance is originally from Pará and represents the simulation of a loving invitation between two dancers. with strong African influences, also brings local characteristics of the Marajoara people.

Most of the movements are rotational: the woman at the center of the stage dances sensually, moving her hips; the man positions himself around the woman, following her movements and dancing around her.

As clothing, women wear a colorful top and skirt or even a dress, while men wear long pants folded to knee height, with or without a shirt.

4 Dances from the North Region – Marujada

popularly known as sailor from Bragança, dance is a typical cultural representation of the state of Pará. It is believed to have been created by the slaves who lived in the region.

It is also practical as a way of celebrating the feast of São Benedito, where women dressed in white and red take to the streets in honor of the saint.

One of the main characteristics of Marujada is the discipline, organization and choreography of the movements, in addition to the different types of movements. It is composed of seven dances: the zabumba, the waltz, the Bragantino xote, the catfish, the retumbo, the choro and the mazurca.

Called “marujas”, the dancers wear long red skirts and white blouses (women), as well as white shirts and pants; a hat embellished with flowers and ribbons is also a must-have accessory.

5 North Region Dances – Desfeiteira

famous amazonian folk dance, is performed by couples dancing in a free and relaxed way, passing from time to time in front of the band responsible for the music.

Suddenly, the musicians stop playing and the couple who stops in front of the group must recite spontaneous and improvised verses. If they do badly, the duo is booed by the public and must pay a gift.

Regarding clothing, women wear long, round skirts and blouses in the style of tops; men, on the other hand, light fabric pants and an open shirt. In both cases, the clothes are always quite colorful and full of prints.

6 Dances from the North Region – Marabaixo

Largest manifestation of the State of Amapá, the Marabaixo is a ritualistic dance of African origin and brought by black people who arrived in the state during the 18th century, for the construction of the Fortress of São José.

Its characteristic is the simulation of the profane version of the feast of the Divine, another famous celebration in the northern region.

The presentations take place to the rhythm of drums or so-called boxes (percussion instruments made of wood and animal skin). The movements are fast and vigorous, inspired by capoeira.

The women wear long, round, colorful skirts. In addition, they use a towel on their shoulders to dry the sweat; men wear shorts and a T-shirt. All this on the strong and intense rhythm of the batuques.

7 Dances from the North Region – Mambiré

Its meaning is directly linked to the history of the African peoples in Brazil, as it represents the “celebration” after abolition of slavery.

In its universality, the Mambiré is an artistic manifestation, a march that involves music, dance and songs in allusion to the ancient reigns of ÁAfrica Central.

One of the characteristic rhythms of this cultural expression is Lundum, very similar to Carimbó and Marabaixo. In the form of a procession, Mambiré acts as a syncretic celebration, a fusion of Catholic and African religions, as well as elements of Portuguese culture.

One of the honored saints is São Benedito, known as the black saint who became a priest. His figure is extremely adored by the inhabitants of the region.

See too:

• Popular dances from Brazil and the world
• Typical Sweets from the North Region
• Typical Foods of the North Region
• The biodiversity of the North Region – Fauna and Flora
• Brincadeiras da Região Norte – Get to know the region playing