Its privileged location made Vidigal a magnet for tourism, with bars, party spots, restaurants and hostels popping up across the hillside. Their brick and concrete block houses creep up the side of the iconic Dois Irmãos (Two Brothers) mountain, offering expansive views of Ipanema, Leblon, the Lagoa and the Cagarras Islands. Sandwiched between the absurdly expensive neighborhoods of Leblon and São Conrado in Rio de Janeiro sits the well-known favela Vidigal and its little brother Chácara do Céu. Vidigal's block houses creep up the side of the iconic Dois Irmãos mountain © Donatas Dabravolskas / Shutterstock 1. In some favelas, the controlling gangs don't want any photos taken in others, residents can be prosecuted by the police if even a minor discretion, such as smoking weed or underage drinking, is caught on film. It's generally OK to take pictures in favelas, but avoid snapping shots that show someone's face unless you've asked for – and received – permission. Once the locals know your purpose, they'll help you get where you're going without a hassle. If you ever get lost or are unsure where to go, tell a resident who you are, who you're with and why you're in the neighborhood. It's easy to get turned around in the labyrinth-like streets, so make sure you arrive with a guide, be it a local tour guide or a friend who works at a social project. If you're told to stay away, do yourself a favor and stay away. Some streets, for example, are to be avoided, as they're where human trafficking takes place. Know where you can and can't goįigure out which areas are safe. However, there are a few rules you should follow if you decide to visit. It's generally OK to take pictures in favelas – as long as you have permission © Karol Moraes / Shutterstock Know the rulesĮven with the hardships, favela residents – like all Brazilians – are generally warm and welcoming. Local tip: A better understanding of both the positive and negative aspects of life in a favela will enrich your visit and help you to connect with local residents. Although the book (which has been translated into 13 languages) is from the 1950s, Jesus' account of the realities of favela life is still very true today. Creativity is often born of necessity, and it's true that life in favelas can be quite difficult.Įver wonder what it's like to live in a favela? Check out Carolina Maria de Jesus' celebrated autobiography, Quarto de Despejo - Diário de Uma Favelada, which gives a detailed account of day-to-day life in a favela in São Paulo. Tourism can be an enriching exchange that valorizes the unique cultures that have grown out of socially marginalized zones, but the tendency to focus on the risks can easily diminish the importance of an area's contribution to society.Ĭase in point: favelas are more dangerous than the rest of the city, but they're also creative and cultural hubs of the country, producing the best sambistas, rappers and funkeiros, along with top artists, athletes and entrepreneurs.Īccording to Micael Amarante, who worked for the city of Rio as part of the UPP favela pacification project when it was first introduced, "easily the most relevant culture in Brazil today is favela culture." But that doesn't mean living in a favela is all rainbows and unicorns.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |