Doesn’t the name Comunidade Santa Margarida sound like a fairy tale? It is a place where the community spirit shines brightly. Comunidade Santa Margarida is located in the West Zone of Rio. It is home to about 5000 people. Many residents rely on bicycles for local transport.
This community is within the neighborhood Santa Margarida. The neighborhood is a middle and lower-middle-class area in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro. It sits within the larger Campo Grande neighborhood. The location is nestled between Estradas do Campinho and da Paciência. Also, it lies between Caminho de Tutóia and Morro do Furado.
In 2009, Santa Margarida became independent. It no longer belongs to Cosmos or Campo Grande. People remember fondly the Avenida Bacaxá where many grew up. Many have moved away but cherish their memories.
Campo Grande, where Comunidade Santa Margarida resides, developed independently. It has many activities to satisfy its population. You can find sports, culture, samba, and tasty food here. The neighborhood has everything a big city offers. There are shops, leisure areas, schools, and hospitals. You can also find clinics providing various services. Campo Grande features many public squares. A skate park, clubs, gyms, and a public library are here too. Several colleges are available for those seeking education.
Campo Grande Atlético Clube brought glory to the area through soccer. It was a top Carioca team. In 1982, it won the Brazilian Championship Series B. The stadium saw the rise of Dario, known as Dadá Maravilha. He became a three-time world champion. The Ginásio Miécimo da Silva hosts many sports events. It is the largest sports complex owned by a city government in Brazil. It hosted events during the 2007 Pan-American Games.
Culturally, Campo Grande offers the Lona Cultural Elza Osborne and Teatro Arthur Azevedo. The theater now hosts the Orquestra Sinfônica Jovem de Campo Grande. The orchestra provides concerts and music workshops. These include free lessons in theory and practice.
When it comes to samba, Escola de Samba Sereno de Campo Grande leads the way. Founded 17 years ago, it was the only local representative in the Marquês de Sapucaí parades. Other samba groups include Delírio da Zona Oeste and Amor Tô Indo.
The Companhia Estadual de Habitação do Rio de Janeiro built housing projects here. They are Conjunto Santa Margarida, Estrada do Campinho, and Cesário de Melo. Also, they built Miguel Gustavo between 1962 and 1979. In 2010, the neighborhood led in residential launches. Today, it attracts major construction companies from Rio. The Hospital Estadual Rocha Faria is the main health facility in the region.
Residents take pride in keeping Comunidade Santa Margarida clean. The Resident’s Association encourages everyone to participate. This project offers work to those who might not have other opportunities. People like Seu Tijuga and Dona Carminha contribute greatly. They improve their community through their efforts. They exemplify dignity and perseverance.
Despite the community’s efforts, more resources are needed. A bank and a nursery center would greatly benefit residents. Many residents work far from home. They face Rio’s heavy traffic every day. Still, they come and go to support themselves and the community.
Comunidade Santa Margarida is an example of sustainability. It was featured in Catalytic Communities’ film, “Favelas as a Sustainable Model.” The film was launched during the Rio+20 People’s Summit in June.
So, as you explore Comunidade Santa Margarida, remember it is more than just a place. It’s a testament to the power of community, resilience, and sustainability.