caxambu, a dance which originates from the interior of minas gerais gained great popularity in the community and the spiritual and ritual manifestations of the african-influenced umbanda and candomblé have had a major influence on the favela's religious tapestry. 

the highly prestigious samba school of the community, grêmio recreativo escola de samba acadêmicos do salgueiro, is the most popular in the city and is one of the four major schools which alternate as champions of the carnival processions each year.

the school's rather humble slogan is, nem melhor nem pior, apenas uma escola diferente (neither better nor worse, just a different school) and it hosts great, vivacious rehearsal parties on saturday nights, which reach their greatest intensity in the weeks leading up to carnival.

the 20th of january, the date in which saint sebastian is honored, receives a warm and traditional reception by the salgueiro community - flowers, candles and music abound, and food and drink stalls are mounted on pathways and roads.