Name in Original Language
Area Where Played
History
With the arrival of the Azoreans in the 18th century, the type of canoe use in the Canoe Race has become very popular, and the people started to use it for transportation and fishing.
It is said that the fishermen used to race amongst themselves for fun, and sometimes they bet on fishing objects.
Over the centuries, the Caiçara culture has been threatened to the point of disappearance, but this practice still persists in many places.
Detailed Description
The Canoe Race is an important component of the Caiçara’s culture in Brazil. The canoes are made from one single piece of carved trunk. There are centenarian canoes still used to fish (mainly the mullet fish) and to race.
Over time, the races have developed. Today, there are organized events by local governments that offer monetary prizes to the winners. This incentivizes the maintenance and promotion of the culture and attracts tourists to watch the races.
The events are often associated with important festivals in the Caiçara’s culture.
Country
Fact Card
Rules
The participants are divided according to their age, gender and number of rowers.
There are canoes of many sizes. From just one rower to five or even more.
The only category that both genders compete in together is the under 15 years. After that we have one general men’s race and one for the women for each size of canoe.
Although fishing is a predominantly masculine activity, some women race with the ancient canoes.