From the heights of Morro da Casa Branca a breathtaking panorama unfolds. Below the city sprawls a vibrant tapestry. Morro da Casa Branca a favela nestled near Morro do Borel is a place rich in history and community spirit. It began its life in the 1930s. Its story is one of growth resilience and a strong sense of belonging.
Few know that the renowned samba school Unidos da Tijuca. It started its journey in a humble house on Rua São Miguel. This marked the fusion of several Carnival blocs from Borel Formiga and Casa Branca. The experience of living in Morro da Casa Branca varies. Some residents access their homes via Estrada da Casa Branca others climb its famous staircases.
The first homes appeared in Travessa Volcano. This area is near Morro do Borel almost marking a boundary. Yet Casa Branca expanded over the hill and stone becoming a dynamic community. Climbing the more than two hundred steps to Terreirão is a feat. This open space was once a large earthen yard. Many favelas boast a similar space.
As you ascend Estrada da Casa Branca a stunning view emerges. The Tijuca mountains and Casa Branca itself are breathtakingly close. You’ll find the residents’ association Escola Municipal Paulo Freire and a health clinic. Further up is a covered sports court and a synthetic turf soccer field. These are maintained with community support.
Hilanilza Albernaz a 62-year-old resident shares memories. She witnessed her family’s growth within Casa Branca. “When we were young there was tranquility. People collaborated to build houses and the road. The current road and stairs were built about twenty years ago. You can still see older mud houses before reaching Chácara do Céu. We built with cement. We climbed the steps establishing ourselves.”
She recalls a time when Borel and Casa Branca were close-knit. “Residents’ associations helped each other. People in Borel knew how to build and solve issues like water and electricity. The favela grew but at a slower pace.”
“Looking at Casa Branca you see families who stayed. Their children and grandchildren are here. Some moved but left children. The growth is different. It’s a different time.” In 2006 Hilanilza joined Grupo Arteiras. This initiative supported women in Casa Branca and Borel creating job opportunities. The group focused on food and recycled paper products. Hilanilza’s home became a workshop creating materials distributed nationwide.
Grupo Arteiras operated as a cooperative. They ensured fair prices and equitable profit sharing. The project ended as women pursued other ventures. In 2001 Creche Municipal Paulo Freire opened. Named after the educator it caters to around sixty children. Many educators are Casa Branca residents. A project called Casa da Auto-estima provided activities courses and psychological services. Felipe Pinho’s dance project engages children and teens. It’s supported by residents and enthusiasts. About 40 children and teens gather after school to learn choreography and share their lives.
Morro da Casa Branca’s story is a testament to its resilience its community’s spirit. It’s a place where history and growth intertwine forming a vibrant and enduring community.