Morro dos Urubus

Overlooking the vibrant tapestry of Rio de Janeiro, Morro dos Urubus stands as a silent storyteller. Morro dos Urubus whispers tales of resilience, struggle, and community. Morro dos Urubus isn’t just a peak on the city’s horizon. It’s a complex tapestry of neighborhoods. These neighborhoods include Pilares, Tomás Coelho, Piedade, Cavalcante, and Abolição. These communities, woven together on the slopes, collectively form what is known as Morro dos Urubus, home to around 4,000 people. Like many favelas in Rio, Morro dos Urubus has witnessed its share of conflict. Tiroteos, whether from police operations or clashes between rival factions, are a harsh reality. The proximity to Morro do Engenho, controlled by a rival faction, adds another layer to this complex narrative. Once under the control of Amigos dos Amigos, Morro dos Urubus saw a shift in power in 2018, becoming a stronghold for TCP. But Morro dos Urubus is more than just headlines. It’s a community with a rich history. The streets that wind through it bear witness to this past. Aderbal de Carvalho, a street named after a 19th-century poet, critic, and writer, serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural heritage that exists within these slopes. Other streets, with names like Paquequer, Silva Xavier, and Figueiredo Pimentel, each have their own stories to tell. The heavy rains of April 2010, the strongest in 44 years, left a lasting mark on Morro dos Urubus. Landslides, thankfully without fatalities, led to the condemnation of hundreds of homes. The city deemed them unsafe due to their location in a high-risk area. Around 331 families, nearly a third of the population, were relocated to a housing complex in Realengo. Some areas, like Urubuzinho, were completely cleared and designated for reforestation. Construction in these areas became strictly prohibited. This act of displacement, while necessary for safety, also represents a chapter of loss and transition for the community. Yet, amidst these challenges, the spirit of Morro dos Urubus endures.