05 Jun African Diaspora • Batizado e Troca de Cordas 2026
African Diaspora: The Story Behind This Year’s Batizado Theme
🌍 African Diaspora • Batizado e Troca de Cordas 2026
The countdown has begun!
On June 12–13, the ABADÁ-Capoeira Marin community will gather for one of the most meaningful moments of the year: our Batizado e Troca de Cordas 2026, celebrating the theme African Diaspora.
This special weekend will bring together students, families, teachers, and guests from across the United States and Brazil for a celebration of Capoeira, culture, music, history, and community.
The event will include the Batizado & Graduation Ceremony, Fairfax Parade, Cultural Aulão, Book Release, and community gathering.
🌟 Honoring Our Special Guest
Mestrando Diguinho
Special Guest – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
A native of Rio de Janeiro, Manoel Rodrigues Barros Neto, known throughout the Capoeira world as Mestrando Diguinho, has dedicated over 30 years to the art of Capoeira.
He began training at age twelve and soon became an educator, teaching youth through school programs under the supervision of Mestre Cobra. Later, he founded a social project in Rio das Pedras that has helped develop many advanced practitioners and community leaders.
In 2019, he received the title of Mestrando, one of the highest distinctions within ABADÁ-Capoeira, recognizing his lifelong dedication to teaching, leadership, and cultural preservation.
Today, he teaches throughout the Jacarepaguá region of Rio de Janeiro and has represented Capoeira through workshops, performances, and competitions around the world.
We are honored to welcome his experience, knowledge, and axé to Marin County.
CONFIRMED GUEST
Mestra Márcia Cigarra – SF
Capoeira Master and Regional Supervisor – San Francisco, CA
Mestra Márcia Cigarra has dedicated decades of her life to Capoeira, education, and community development. As Regional Coordinator for ABADÁ-Capoeira Northern California, she has guided generations of students while preserving the values, traditions, and cultural richness of Capoeira.
Known for her leadership, generosity, and commitment to excellence, Mestra Márcia continues to inspire students throughout California and beyond. Her presence at our Batizado is a reminder that Capoeira is more than movement—it is heritage, discipline, and collective growth.
Washington, D.C.
Mestranda Yara is one of the leading female voices in ABADÁ-Capoeira in the United States. Based in Washington, D.C., she has played a vital role in building community through Capoeira while mentoring students of all ages.
Known for her dedication to education, cultural exchange, and community leadership, she has helped create spaces where Capoeira serves as a bridge between cultures and generations.
Her work reminds us that Capoeira is strongest when we learn, play, and grow together.
CONFIRMED GUEST
Mestranda Yara
Washington, DC – USA
San Francisco, CA.
Mestrando Jabuti began training Capoeira in 1996 and received his blue cord under Mestre Cobra in 2000. Since then, he has dedicated his life to teaching children, teens, and adults throughout Rio de Janeiro.
A champion in both the Jogos Mundiais and Jogos Brasileiros, he has shared his knowledge across Brazil, Europe, and North America. In 2024, he was awarded a prestigious U.S. artist visa and continues his work as Artist-in-Residence with ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco.
CONFIRMED GUEST
Mestrando Jabuti
San Francisco, CA – USA
Welcoming Our Visiting Professors & Instructors
One of the greatest gifts of a Batizado is the opportunity to learn from teachers from different cities, states, and countries. This year we are honored to welcome an incredible team of instructors joining us for the celebration.
Confirmed Professors
🥋 Professor Ferrugem – São Paulo, Brazil
🥋 Professora Iguana – San Francisco, CA
🥋 Professora Sereia – Flagstaff, Arizona
🥋 Professora Estrela Vesper – San Francisco, CA
🥋 Professora Sucuri – San Francisco, CA
🥋 Professor Soldadinho – San Francisco, CA
Together, these educators bring decades of experience in Capoeira, music, culture, education, and community building.
Event Schedule
📅 Event Schedule
Friday, June 12
Batizado & Graduation Ceremony
🕔 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Doors Open: 4:30PM
Students and Parents Volunteers meet at the studio between 3-3:30PM to check in with Puka and Graduada Rara
📍 Stapleton School for the Performing Arts
70 Greenfield Ave.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Saturday, June 13
Fairfax Parade
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Participants, please arrive before 9:00 AM at Good Earth’s Supermarket Parking Lot in Fairfax to rehearse.
Aulão Cultural & Open Roda with Mestrando Diguinho and Out of town Special Guests
Open to all communities!
🕓 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Book Release with Vinyl and Taco Dance Party
Open to all communities!
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
ONLY $20 DOLLARS A TACO MEAL!
📍 ABADÁ-Capoeira Marin
42 Greenfield Ave.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
It Takes a Community! Volunteers Needed
Our Batizado & Graduation is made possible by the dedication and generosity of our community. We invite students, parents, family members, and friends to be part of this special event by volunteering. Whether you can help with setup, registration, hospitality, food, decorations, photography, or cleanup, your support helps create a memorable experience for everyone.
Please take a moment to review the volunteer opportunities below and sign up for a role that works for you. Together, we can make the 2026 Batizado & Graduation a beautiful celebration of Capoeira, friendship, and community.