January 26, 2025 Movimento Roda de Santa Cruz (part 3)
ABOUT
Movimento Roda Santa Cruz is a free, open-air gathering that takes place on the last Sunday of each month in Santa Cruz, CA. It began in 2020 with a simple conversation among friends—Ado di Bahia, Monica, and Valter—which sparked the idea of creating an inclusive space to celebrate Capoeira in its truest form. In the front yard of Valter’s home, the space was transformed into a vibrant cultural ground. What began as a grassroots initiative quickly grew into a beloved monthly tradition, honoring Capoeira through jogo, song, samba, and the communal act of sharing food.
Rooted in Afro-Brazilian tradition, the roda welcomes everyone—capoeiristas, families, kids, and community members of all backgrounds. There are no uniforms, no group distinctions—only movement, music, and connection. At its heart is the tradition of ajeum, the sacred act of sharing food, embodied each month with a home-cooked feijoada made by Monica served fresh to all. The day ends in a joyful samba de roda, bringing rhythm, laughter, and deep cultural roots to life.
More than a roda, this is a movement—a space of resistance, remembrance, and joy. A place where ancestry is honored, knowledge is shared, and community is built—one game, one plate, one song at a time.
CAPTURED MOMENTS
Ana Paula Prado
"The Roda de Santa Cruz is more than just an essential cultural expression for the Brazilian community—it’s a movement where exchange and the building of knowledge happen through the purest form of love."
Sarah "Panda"
"The Roda in Santa Cruz is a vibrant celebration of community where everyone is welcome. It’s a space to contribute through capoeira, samba, singing, clapping, or simply sharing a smile. This embodies the essence of vivência in capoeira—deeply rooted in culture, community, and inclusion. A roda de Santa Cruz serves as a reminder of our resilience and interconnectedness."
Mestre Lobão
"I look at the legacy you’re building with deep admiration and respect. It’s truly remarkable how much dedication you pour into the Roda de Santa Cruz—often setting aside time with your own families to keep this important tradition alive.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the support of this incredible community—made up of Brazilians, Americans, Mexicans, and people from so many other backgrounds. Regardless of where they come from, they all share a genuine love for our culture.
Congratulations on this beautiful journey and for bringing so many hearts together around capoeira and our roots!"
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
Movimento Roda Santa Cruz is built by the community, for the community—and there are many ways to be part of it. Just showing up is already a powerful act: bringing your presence, your energy, and your willingness to connect through music, movement, and shared culture. You can also support by lending a hand—helping set up, serving food, or simply being present in the circle. Donations, big or small, help keep the feijoada cooking and covers the band's fees for when we have Forró. And perhaps most importantly, spread the word. Tell your friends, bring your family, share the spirit of the roda. This movement grows stronger with each voice, each plate, each step in the game. Axé!