obscured by years of criminal control, some of rio's favelas were originally important farms, strategic military posts, homes to convents and religious institutions, and even hunting grounds for the aristocracy of the time. famous today for the wrong reasons, rio's favelas are areas rich of history and cultural identity.

often inspiring and exemplary, favelas are cradles to the spirit of music, dance, arts, and much of the creativity in rio, they are home to the truest values of family, friendship, loyalty, and solidarity - hospitality, love, optimism, and happiness are as much part of these communities as the challenges they face and overcome.  

deeply united by a strong sense of community and cultural authenticity, these are the lands of families who share a history of struggle and anguish, people who have suffered in unison, and celebrated as one.