200 years of history saw favelas developing from something that started somehow underground and concealed, soon to be seen as problematic and in need of eradication, finally, to be recognized as a cradle of important cultural movements that shaped the image of the city as a whole.

favelas and their relationship to the rest of the city went full circle - history shaped culture, and this culture produced something that in turn shaped history.

according to popular belief, the name 'favela' was first used in rio to name a temporary settlement by homeless veteran soldiers who returned to rio after fighting in bahia, a state in northwestern brazil.

notably, today the term favela should not be used when addressing these areas of rio, that are more properly called 'comunidades' (communities).