Santa Marta

This package was first broadcast by Monocle 24 Radio on July 18, 2014.

Intro

We start this week’s program in Brazilian favelas.

In Rio de Janeiro, the security of areas near these slum neighborhoods was a major concern before the World Cup.

The Brazilian military police launched a controversial pacification program already half a decade ago, hoping to banish drug gangs from several favelas and restore government control.

This seemed to work: Previously impenetrable neighborhoods have gradually opened up, and there are signs that public perception is slowly changing as well.

We sent Frederick Bernas to find out what this change has meant for Brazilian food culture and explore how food is helping break down social barriers between favelas and the wider world.