Favela Santa Marta

Favela Santa Marta, also known as Dona Marta, is a vibrant community located on the steep slopes of the Botafogo neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro. Its history dates back to the early 20th century when migrants and former slaves began settling on the hillside, creating one of the city's oldest and most iconic informal settlements. Over decades, it evolved into a dense network of brick houses and narrow alleys, serving as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of Rio's working-class population. The community reached a global stage in 1996 when pop legend Michael Jackson and director Spike Lee chose it as the filming location for the music video 'They Don't Care About Us.' This event was a watershed moment, bringing international media attention to the social conditions and cultural richness of the favelas. The visit helped humanize the residents and showcased the community's spirit to the world, eventually leading to the installation of a permanent bronze statue of the singer at the 'Espaço Michael Jackson.' In 2008, Santa Marta became a pioneer in urban social policy as the first favela to receive a Pacifying Police Unit (UPP). This initiative was designed to reclaim the territory from criminal factions and integrate the community with the formal city. Since the pacification, the neighborhood has seen significant infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of a free funicular tram, improved sanitation, and the 'Tudo de Cor' project which painted hundreds of houses in vibrant colors, making it a model for community-based tourism.