Brazil is known for many things: beaches, a nearly unstoppable futbol (soccer to Americans) team, a growing economy, the giant statue of Jesus Christ, and slums. The slums (also called shantytowns), known as 'favelas' in Portuguese, are just as one would expect a slum to be: a hodgepodge collection of tin and wood thrown together in some semblance of massive group housing. With the World Cup coming this summer to Brazil, however, and hotel prices around the country skyrocketing, they've suddenly become a way for World Cup tourists to avoid shelling out far too much money for a place to stay.
Favelas have long been a source of ire for the Brazilian government. As there is no way to keep a consistent security presence in the favelas, some are often home to drug gangs and other organized crime. In the run-up to the World Cup, the Brazilian government has attempted to cleanse the favelas of the drug gangs, though it has come at a high cost: civilians have been caught in the crossfire, and the citizens of the favelas have claimed that the government has 'disappeared' people.
Some have stated that they trust those in the drug gangs more than they trust the government, as they grew up with those in the drug gangs. The active stance taken against the drug gangs also appears to citizens as a way of controlling the drug trade, or simply as a way of removing the sight of poverty from the country.
But not all favelas are home to drug gangs and perpetual violence. Football Beyond Borders, a not-for-profit that seeks to remove stigmas such as racism with the international appeal of football, has set up deals with favela residents in certain areas, such as Salvador, where levels of crime are lower.
The program has many benefits: first, it's scores cheaper than the average hotel room, allowing tourists the chance to experience and enjoy the country more fully; second, one gets the opportunity to blend with the local culture rather than staying separate from it; third, as one would stay in someone's house rather than in a hotel room, reported satisfaction from customers is very high. Hosts have typically been gracious to their guests, ensuring both the fullness of their stomachs and their safety.
Should you have a hankering for world-class football matches this summer but find that hotels are out of your price range, consider staying at a favela. You'll get to know the people of Brazil, and that is a worthwhile experience unto itself.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
