“Favela do Sapo e da Perereca” that name might not ring a bell to you. But it holds a piece of Rio’s complex story. Here, before us stands Mulher sapo.
Mulher sapo means “frog woman” in Portuguese. I want to tell you more about the favela that shares part of its name. It existed in Senador Camará in Rio’s West Zone. I am going to transport you back to 1988.
Picture a panorama of simple shacks. This was the Favela do Sapo e da Perereca. Children played amidst these modest homes. These communities existed far from the glamorous image of Rio.
Rio de Janeiro means “River of January”. A Portuguese explorer Gaspar de Lemos gave Rio this name. He arrived in January 1502. He mistook Guanabara Bay for a river’s mouth. That’s how Rio got its name.
Street art is legal in Rio. Artists need permission from the building’s owner. They can transform buildings with their art.
Samba schools thrive in Rio. They are famous for Carnival parades. They provide education and activities to favela residents. People are loyal to samba schools. They support them like football teams.
Rio de Janeiro used to be Brazil’s capital. It held this title from 1763 to 1960. Then, Brasília became the capital.
People born in Rio are Cariocas. The word comes from the Tupi-Guarani language. Indigenous tribes used to call the area Kario’Oka. It meant “white man’s house”.
Rio is known for its beautiful beaches. It has peaks, ridges, and hills covered by forests. The city is a leisure center. People wear bathing suits everywhere. Rio’s Carnival is famous. It fills the city with music and dance.
The city grew after becoming a trade center. It was important for gold and diamond mining. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere developed over time. Residents take pride in Rio’s cultural significance. They see it as Brazil’s symbol.
Here stands Mulher sapo, a silent witness. It represents resilience. It embodies the spirit of Rio. Though simple in name, its presence connects us to a deeper story. It connects us to the heart of Rio de Janeiro.