The episcopate and the feasts in the city of Rio de Janeiro in the 18th century: the pro-hibition of batuques

Abstract

The article analyzes the episcopate ordination on feasts in the diocese of Rio de Janeiro in the 18th century from pastoral letters and edicts, which are found in the Arquivo da Cúria Metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. It contemplates the action of the reforming bishops D. Antônio de Guadalupe, D. João da Cruz, D. Antônio do Desterro, D. José Castelo Branco e D. José da Silva Coutinho. The discipline and rigor of these norms as well as how to reflect upon the art of governing in the Old Regime should be examined. The norms affect the feasts through music, dances, clothing and a space and time framework. In particular, one pastoral letter against batuques stands out, which has repercussions beyond the exclusion of the Africans and afro-descendents. The article makes an inventory of the term batuque and dialogues with the Historiography of the African Diaspora, to reflect on whether the prohibited manifestations could be associated with central-African cultural groups.