Quilombo Retiro, Quilombo community in Santa Leopoldina, Brazil
Quilombo Retiro is a recognized settlement in the municipality of Santa Leopoldina where Afro-Brazilians maintain their traditional way of life. The community consists of several houses and gardens where residents grow their own food and practice traditional crafts.
The settlement began around 1900 as a refuge for formerly enslaved people who settled after abolition in Brazil. It gained official recognition in 1988 when the Federal Constitution established protection for quilombo communities.
The community keeps African traditions alive through regular gatherings with music and dance that shape daily life. These practices run deep in local culture and pass from one generation to the next.
Visits require advance coordination with local authorities and community leaders to secure proper permissions. It is important to follow respectful visiting guidelines and inform the community ahead of time about planned visits.
The settlement maintains original farming methods that show how African practices adapted to the Brazilian environment. These agricultural techniques are a living example of the creativity and strength of their founders.
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