5th International Capoeira Meeting (Helinä Rautavaara in Memoriam) 2026

The 5th International Capoeira Gathering is being held to honor the memory of Helinä Rautavaara, celebrating her achievements and her role in bringing capoeira to Finland.

We also aim to highlight Helinä’s significance in fostering cooperation between Finnish, Brazilian, and African cultures.

During the event, we will have workshops, lectures, cultural presentations and celebrations emphasizing the importance of Finnish and Brazilian cultures.

We are honored to host distinguished guests, including Professora Gaivota of the Grupo de Capoeira Angolinha and Treinel Emmi Capoeira Angoleiros do Sertão (both from Finland); Mestre Jeff leader of Helsinki Escola de Capoeira Senzala and Vice-president of the Finnish Capoeira Federation, and Contra-Mestre Aranha, the Secretary General of the World Capoeira Federation, who also serves as a coach and representative for the Grupo Capoeira Brazil in Estonia.

This is the fifth edition of the event; the program includes capoeira workshops led by our guests on Friday in the Art House. Saturday’s schedule features a special interview with Mestre Jeff. an Afro-dance workshop, a baptism ceremony, belt promotions, and certification at the Helinä Rautavaara Museum. On Sunday, at the Luupi Youth Center, we will host a capoeira roda, samba de roda, and a celebration featuring feijoada for all participants.

Furthermore, children from "Finnish Model for Leisure Activities" project will join participants from other cities, such as Helsinki and Espoo to receive their belts and certificates free of charge, culminating in a certification ceremony for everyone involved. The aim is to revitalize the event by increasing interaction, including lectures delivered by professionals from the fields of culture and sports. The event is open to the public, and suitable for all age groups. One of our primary goals is to bring as many participants as possible into public spaces and, through these activities, foster social inclusion regardless of nationality, gender, age, or socioeconomic status.

On behalf of the Finnish Capoeira Association, we would like to thank the City of Helsinki, Brazilians in Finland, Museum Helinä Rautavaara, Instituto Guimarães Rosa, World Capoeira Federation for the collaboration that enables us to continue bringing the joy of Brazil and the happiness of Finland to a safe and diverse environment in Helsinki and Espoo that benefit all citizens.

Schedule:

Places of activities

📍Capoeira Art House

📅 Date: 2.10.2026

⏰ Time: 17-21

🏠Address: Aleksis Kiven katu 32, 00510 Helsinki

📍Helinä Rautavaara Museo

📆 Date: 3.10.26

⏰ Time: 13 - 18

🏠Address: Siltakatu 11 02770 Espoo

📍Luupin Nuorisotalo

📅 Date: 4.10.26

⏰ Time: 10-15

📍Address: Ostostie 4, 00940 Helsinki

Event free of charge!

Everyone is very welcome.

www.suomencapoeiraliitto.com