Mestre Fran created Maculelê Capoeira Cultural Association, previously known as Conceição da Praia Capoeira Group, in Londrina, Brazil, in November 5th, 1991. Sponsors of the group were, Mestre Leopoldina and Dona Alice – Mestre Pastinha´s partner for many decades. From there on, the Association, which is better known as Grupo Maculelê, has been participating in many cultural events and in important social projects aiming to take poor children out of the streets.

Filosofia do Trabalho – Philosophy

The group Maculelê philosophy is based on the physical, moral and spiritual values of the human being. Its practice aims to achieve some goals, such as:

• Arousing every member's talent, helping them to be the best they can be;
• Rising member's awareness of social economical issues such as drugs, violence, jobs and so on;
• Encouraging the practice of Capoeira as art, fight and a way to social, cultural and athletic integration.