carimbó

Carimbó is a Brazilian music and dance tradition from the state of Pará, in the Amazon region, associated with Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous influences. The form originated in the communities along the Amazon river and the island of Marajó, developing during the 18th and 19th centuries and spreading through Pará and neighboring areas. The name is linked to the stamping of the feet that characterizes the dance and to the percussion-driven rhythm that supports it.

Musically, carimbó is centered on percussion and vocal call-and-response. Ensembles traditionally include drums, tambourines, and rattles, sometimes augmented by strings and other instruments in modern performances. The rhythm blends African and Indigenous elements and is typically lively and syncopated. Vocals may be in local Portuguese dialects and include improvised or sung refrains.

Dancers perform in couples or circles, with the woman often wearing a flowing skirt and the man guiding the steps. Movements emphasize hip motion, quick spins, and foot stamping, creating a visually dynamic display. The dance can be performed ceremonially or socially, in festivals or informal gatherings.

In the 20th century, carimbó gained wider recognition in Pará and later across Brazil, influencing regional and popular music. Contemporary groups preserve traditional styles while incorporating modern instrumentation, helping to keep carimbó active in cultural life. Today it is regarded as a cultural expression associated with Pará’s Amazonian heritage and Afro-indigenous Brazilian history.