Follow-Up on Mestre Gigante’s Passing

Rolha Capoeira

2 minute read

More information has come to light about Mestre Gigante and his recent death on Monday, May 30, 2016, at the age of 95.

We originally posted a brief report of his death that evening, but very little information was available at that time. Since then, the Bahia publication Correio has posted an article with more detail, including footage of the funeral.

An excerpt with rough translation from Mestre de capoeira Gigante morre aos 95 anos em Salvador:

After losing the fight against respiratory infection, Mestre Gigante received his final blow in Teresa of Lisieux Hospital and the body was buried in the Campo Santo cemetary. Widower, left two daughters and three grandchildren. Although known worldwide and being one of the most important names in capoeira, which in 2014 received the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Mestre Gigante had a simple burial. At the sound of berimbau, complete with a roda, his coffin was carried by other teachers and placed in a common chamois with only a wreath. The capoeira community and family collected money to pay for the ceremony. There was no government contribution.
There is a lot more great information in the article, which can easily be translated using Google Translate. We encourage capoeiristas to read the full article to better understand Mestre Gigante’s place in capoeira history.