Between the new NGOs (non governmental organizations), party decks and restaurants, you still see what life is like for the new lower middle class of Brazil- those who just escaped poverty. You can share a delicious tapioca with them and smell their weekend barbecues while watching your steps walking through all the strings of handmade kites. And of course you’ll get to know the marvellous stories of how this place was saved from removal twice. The first time the people and the local church convinced the pope to show up and speak against the politics of removal. And the second time, the area was saved because Brazil’s richest man, who was about to acquire the land, suddenly fell into debts. This place was hell, protected by god – it’s hard to find a better place to understand urban Brazilian life today.


Did you know…?
Contrary to popular belief, the definition of Favela is not a Brazilian shack, shanty town or a slum. A Brazilian tour guide will tell you that the term ”favela” doesn’t have an exact translation. It mostly means an informal settling on a hill with the absence of state power and in fact, there are a few favelas that have characteristics much above the standard of a slum.
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It’s an amazing place to visit. I encourage everybody to visit this place.