From 1 October, local bars and restaurants in Rio de Janeiro's Maré favela complex will participate in a month-long competitive food trail. The event, named Comida de Favela, or Favela Food, aims to attract visitors from across the city and challenge existing prejudices about the favela.
Maré, a complex of 16 favelas home to 140,000 people, is often associated with issues such as poverty and drug trafficking. Maria Cristina de Sales, 39, who owns a burger restaurant in Maré, stated that the food trail helps open doors that are not available elsewhere in the city.
The food trail, now in its fourth edition, is organised by Casa das Mulheres da Maré, a centre supporting women. It has been named one of four finalists in the Best Culinary Festival in Latin America category at the 2026 World Culinary Awards, with winners to be announced in October.
Sixteen restaurants, mostly Black-owned, were selected from over 150 applicants. They receive training in management and marketing, and new guidance on how to support customers who report sexual harassment. Winners, chosen by customer vote, will receive cash prizes.
Mariana Aleixo, 38, the centre's coordinator, noted that gastronomy is the largest economic sector in Maré, with approximately 1,200 of the area's 3,200 businesses being restaurants and bars. She believes prejudice against favelas has hindered securing sponsorship from other food festivals.
While the event aims to offer a perspective beyond violence, Aleixo acknowledges that visitors may encounter armed drug traffickers, a reality for residents. However, she stated that criminals do not interfere with the food trail's activities, seemingly understanding its community benefits.