Faveleira

Favela is unfortunately often associated with the word slum and has been given a negative connotation due to its reputation of poor living conditions and violent gang ruled neighborhoods. This undoubtedly is a part of the favelas, but this stereotype doesn’t paint the full picture as a large population of the middle-class also lives in the favelas and have created thriving communities. The word favela actually comes from a plant in the Bahia region called faveleira, which is known for it strength and resiliency.

I was able to experience both sides of the favelas, from heavily armed drug trafficked areas, to thriving neighborhoods filled with growing entrepreneurship, art, and community projects. But regardless of the favela, everywhere I went I experienced a great sense of camaraderie rich in culture and community, and people looking out for each other.