in the past, favelas have been a hub of criminal activity but things are changing. partly due to the 2014 world cup, the upcoming 2016 olympics, but, more importantly, to a strong economic rebirth of brazil and a desire of all cariocas to turns things around, favelas in rio have transformed themselves, both in reality and in perception. residents of vidigal, like many other favelas, are taking advantage of the safe environment that is sweeping through the poorer areas of the city, helped by a widespread police crackdown on drug and criminal activity. so much so that it is even possible to spend an alternative réveillon in the hills of vidigal, celebrating the new year with friendly local hosts.
