similarly to other favelas in rio, this neighborhood saw an accelerated expansion in the 1940's with the arrival of more brazilian immigrants from the north-east, and other parts of brazil, and then again in the 1970's during the overall growth of the city.       

characterized by roads with names, and many small shops, this community has a strong cultural identity, and it is mostly famous for g. r. e. s. acadêmicos do salgueiro, the many-times carnival champion samba school that originated in it. 

in addition to being one of the leading groups parading in the yearly carnival parades in the sambódromo, throughout the year this school offers some of the most famous samba rehearsals, attended by visitors and residents alike.  the lead singer bono, of the rock band u2 is among the celebrities who have attended these rehearsals.