Favelas are often portrayed through a narrow lens of conflict and poverty in global media. However, to view them solely as "slums" is to overlook the complex, self-sustaining, and culturally rich ecosystems that house millions of Brazilians. Rocinha, the largest of these informal communities in Rio de Janeiro, stands as a testament to human ingenuity, […]

RIO DE JANEIRO — In the steep, verdant hillsides overlooking the affluent São Conrado district, the terracotta-and-pastel landscape of Rocinha rises as a testament to human ingenuity and communal resilience. Often referred to as an "informal community" or a "favela," Rocinha is far more than the "urban shantytown" label frequently applied by international media. It […]