during major soccer events, it is not uncommon to see traffic stop - and important matches gather big crowds at rio's corner bars.

favelas, complex communities with a fascinating history of unique challenges and slower economic development are an important part of rio's culture, as they are the cradle of popular music genres samba and funk, and home to many of the people who work in regular neighborhoods.

favelas, often famous for the wrong reasons, have in fact shaped rio's culture in a positive way - not only are they one of the birthplaces for many of the most famous samba teams and exuberant costumes that are the core and symbol of rio's carnival, but they are also an example of social unity and collaboration among people and neighbors.

in fact, carnival is the main event of the year, and it has become a prime component of the city's way of life and identity, both nationally and internationally.