From Morro do Cafuá’s peak you can almost touch the sky. Rio de Janeiro sprawls beneath you a breathtaking panorama. This isn’t just any hill. Morro do Cafuá holds a piece of Rio’s complex history. It’s a silent witness to the city’s growth and struggles.
Morro do Cafuá is part of a larger story. The story of favelas in Rio. Many favelas emerged after the Canudos War in 1897. Soldiers returning to Rio lacked promised pay and housing. They settled on hillsides like this one. They built homes from wood. They found a shrub similar to one in Bahia. It was called favela. The name stuck. Morro da Providência near Cais do Valongo is considered the oldest favela. Morro do Cafuá followed a similar pattern.
The growth of favelas wasn’t just due to soldiers. Mayor Pereira Passos’ reforms after the Republic’s proclamation played a part. Tenements were destroyed. Many lost their homes. They migrated to the hills. These hills offered a proximity to workplaces. Transportation to peripheral areas was limited.
Another significant factor was the end of slavery. Ex-slaves faced inequality. They too settled on hills. Some hills in Rio’s south were inhabited. Morro da Babilônia is one example near the beaches. Copacabana and Botafogo saw communities emerge later.
Many favelas have faced removal plans. The French architect Alfred Agache proposed a plan in 1927. It included relocating residents for social and aesthetic reasons. Some areas were removed. Social housing was an alternative but often located far from city centers. The drug trade and violence unfortunately marked these communities.
In 1990 the government changed its approach. Instead of removal they focused on improving favelas. The Favela-Bairro plan in 1993 brought private companies for infrastructure improvements. Water garbage collection and lighting were improved. Similar actions continue today involving authorities companies and NGOs.
Morro do Cafuá stands as a testament to resilience. It’s a place where history unfolds. It’s a reminder of the complex journey of Rio’s communities. As you leave Morro do Cafuá take with you the story. Let it inspire reflection on the city’s vibrant and challenging past.