Cangaço was a form of social banditry located historically in Northeast of Brazil between 1870 and 1940, characterized by the activities of independent armed groups, led by strong leaders. The bandit is an ambiguous social character: although they engage in cruel and criminal activities such as looting, robbery and murder, they are not regarded by the local community in the same way as a common criminal. They often appear to be the victim of circumstances and unfairly persecuted by police. The most famous of these leaders was Virgulino Pereira da Silva, known as Lampião, the King of Cangaço. His exploits with his wife and accomplice, Maria Bonita at his side, turned to legends after his death and feed the fantasy that is built around giving more power of the weak.

Facts that tell important aspects of "official" history of Brazil, seen from the perspective used by textbooks from the 1950s and 1970s.