Olympics Opening Viewing Party to be Held in Vidigal Favela

By Chesney Hearst, Senior Contributing Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – To help launch their new Favelidade initiative the social impact tourism company, Favela Experience will host a free viewing party of the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Friday, August 5th on the top of Vidigal in Campinho da Vila Olimpic. In addition to the live broadcast of the opening, entertainment will include live music performed by local and international musicians and drumming groups plus DJs, and MCs performing during the event.

Born from a collaboration between Favela Experience and Atados Rio, the Favelidade iniative aims to promote positive social impact through responsible tourism and cultural exchange in ten of the city’s favelas.

The Black Santa party will kick off the event in Vidigal on August 5th at 7PM. The popular monthly parties are well known for presenting music that ranges in style from jazz to hip hop to funk to rap to charme and afrobeat.

The live broadcast of the Olympics opening ceremony will then take place at 8PM, followed by the return of the Black Santa party at 8:30 PM with Don Jay. A Brazilian American DJ and MC who currently calls Porto Alegre home, Don Jay is known for his innovative sets and mixes that seemlessly combine the best of new and classic hits.

At 9PM, MC Feio will present two songs followed by MC Mano Vidigal and his presentation of two songs. MC Mascote will then take the stage at 9:45 PM.

At 10PM, Chacal do Sax and a local Vidigal pagode band will perform live. Born Jonathan Fernandes Vieira, Chacal do Sax is considered to be a rising star in Rio’s current music scene.

A former member of the traditional samba group, Fundo de Quintal, Chacal do Sax choose to go solo and has since performed with artists including Thiaguinho, Péricles, Jorge Aragão, Arlindo Cruz, Dudu Nobre, Mart’nália, Alcione, Neguinho da Beija Flor, and Elza Soares, among others.

Beginning at 10:30 PM, more DJs will spin followed by a performance by Batu’ Capoeira at 11:15 PM. To close out the night there be a jam session with many artists from the night joining together to perform and welcome in the spirit of the Olympic Games to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.

For additional information about the Favelidade iniative and the event, see the Favelidade website and the Facebook event page.

What: Favela Vibes – Favelidade Opening Ceremony
When: Friday, August 5th, 7PM
Where: Campinho da Vila Olimpica, Vidigal
Entrance: FREE