Student: Alice Alleyne Vannelle Class: EVT 101
The student wrote a poem about Hilária Batista de Almeida, Tia Ciata — mãe-de-santo, Bahian aunt, and key figure in the appreciation of samba and Black culture. In the text, she references Visconde de Itaúna street, where Tia Ciata lived in Praça Onze. This street, which disappeared with the construction of Avenida Presidente Vargas, remained in memory as part of samba's history.
Samba and culture Aunt Ciata, queen of samba, With 14 children, love and struggle, On Visconde de Itaúna street, Her house was a meeting point, Where samba flowed, And joy never stopped. With Donga and Mauro de Almeida, "Pelo Telefone" was born, A samba that echoed, Through the city, a sound that spread. Aunt Ciata, star of samba, With her stall at Praça Onze, She released marchinhas that enchanted, And made the city dance. With other Bahian aunts, Aunt Dadá, Aunt Amelia, Aunt Prisciliana and Aunt Veridiana, They shared stories and knowledge. Iyá Kékeré, little mother, At the terreiro of João Alabá, Aunt Ciata, a force of nature, Who teaches us to live and to love.
I draw inspiration from your strength, And from your passion for samba, I want to dance, I want to sing, And be part of this story. Tia Ciata, thank you for leaving us, A legacy of love and music,
Which makes us feel proud Of our roots and our culture.
