Over the hills, under the moon - and off the beaten path

João Goulart, the main road, which winds up along the steep slope of the  Vidigal favela, is normally teeming with traffic -  motorcycles, cars and lorries cruise up and down at breakneck speeds.  Normally, but not on the evening of Boa Sexta-feira, The Good Friday, when everything comes to a standstill during the enacting of the way of the suffering Christ. The darkness is lit up by  twinkling candles, carried by hundreds of pedestrians - all following the young man, who's designated to carry the cross up the hill. Along the route, neighbors have erected candlelit alters, each displaying a small figurine of the virgin Mary. They stand, praying, while the procession slowly passes by. - Pai de Misericórdia durante esta época de arrependimento olhai com compaixão para nós. The priest, walking in front, belts out the words. - Father of Mercy during this time of repentance, look with compassion on us. We walk solemnly up the alleys - until t...