This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/cities/live/2017/nov/27/guardian-cities-live-sao-paulo

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 7 Version 8
Guardian Cities: Live from São Paulo's occupations Guardian Cities: Live from São Paulo's occupations
(35 minutes later)
Earlier this afternoon Jon Watts and Dom Phillips met with São Paulo’s mayor, João Doria. Their wide-ranging interview will appear in stories still to come this week, but they tweeted some highlights below.
2 years after drought crisis in São Paulo, Mayor João Doria recognises link between Amazon and city water supply. "We need to preserve rainforest to preserve cycle of rain in southeast Brazil," he tells me and @domphillips #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/0ZwYwCGWxI
São Paulo Mayor João Doria tells Guardian that building occupations "are not part of the (housing shortage) solution, nor part of the problem, they are part of the reality." Interview by me and @domphillips #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/cSohTee9tH
Doria told Jon and Dom that there had been no cuts to education spending – which raised Dom’s eyebrows at least. You’ll find out why in his forthcoming feature.
São Paulo mayor João Doria tells Guardian there have been no cuts to education spending. Really? See my story tomorrow. #GuardianSaoPaulo
But one topline for now?
Doria has refused to rule out running for president next year. Brazil needs a centrist candidate, he told the Guardian.
São Paulo Mayor João Doria refuses to rule out a 2018 presidential bid. In Guardian interview, he says Brazil needs a candidate from the centre. Interview by me and @domphillips #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/GncbhWOzqf
Many of our roving reporters are apparently caught in traffic jams, compounded by sudden rainfall – not for nothing is São Paulo known as the city of drizzle.Many of our roving reporters are apparently caught in traffic jams, compounded by sudden rainfall – not for nothing is São Paulo known as the city of drizzle.
São Paulo's famous Minhocão highway, just as a heavy cloud of rain descends on the city. Photo by Andre Lucas #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/OjN4gJloohSão Paulo's famous Minhocão highway, just as a heavy cloud of rain descends on the city. Photo by Andre Lucas #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/OjN4gJlooh
It seems an opportune moment to hear from some of our readers.It seems an opportune moment to hear from some of our readers.
Cracolândia has, unsurprisingly, proved especially shocking to readers outside of Brazil, with The Wire’s Hamsterdam proving a crude frame of reference for those of us who can’t begin to comprehend what life may be like in this community.Cracolândia has, unsurprisingly, proved especially shocking to readers outside of Brazil, with The Wire’s Hamsterdam proving a crude frame of reference for those of us who can’t begin to comprehend what life may be like in this community.
A reader, Marcelo, shared this paulistano perspective on Twitter.A reader, Marcelo, shared this paulistano perspective on Twitter.
#GuardianSaoPauloCracolândia is a sureal place even to us. But it can also be seen as a signal of our openness to the less advantaged who need drugs to face the difficulties of life. Brazil hasn't legalize drugs as Canada, Uruguay or Portugal, but at least we tolerate it there#GuardianSaoPauloCracolândia is a sureal place even to us. But it can also be seen as a signal of our openness to the less advantaged who need drugs to face the difficulties of life. Brazil hasn't legalize drugs as Canada, Uruguay or Portugal, but at least we tolerate it there
Guardian reader Istvan singled out the final paragraph of Sam Cowie’s report.Guardian reader Istvan singled out the final paragraph of Sam Cowie’s report.
the last point here is so touching . heartbreaking , if you think about it : ..."....Crackland's main appeal is its community feel ----we are like a family of the excluded"the last point here is so touching . heartbreaking , if you think about it : ..."....Crackland's main appeal is its community feel ----we are like a family of the excluded"
Beneath this blog, another reader remarked on the spirit of camaraderie apparent in the occupations.Beneath this blog, another reader remarked on the spirit of camaraderie apparent in the occupations.
The best thing is the warm camaraderie of people inside the camp who are working for each other,” said Joana Nunes, who describes the occupation as a symbolic cry for help by people who lack access to decent housing, healthcare and education.The best thing is the warm camaraderie of people inside the camp who are working for each other,” said Joana Nunes, who describes the occupation as a symbolic cry for help by people who lack access to decent housing, healthcare and education.
And yet many in the UK who have access to decent housing, healthcare and education do absolutely nothing to help anyone.And yet many in the UK who have access to decent housing, healthcare and education do absolutely nothing to help anyone.
Marcelo’s follow-up point also seemed pertinent:Marcelo’s follow-up point also seemed pertinent:
#GuardianSaoPauloThis city never, ever, stops.#GuardianSaoPauloThis city never, ever, stops.
Let us know what you think of our coverage so far in the comments; by using the hashtag #GuardianSaoPaulo, or emailing saopaulo.week@theguardian.com.Let us know what you think of our coverage so far in the comments; by using the hashtag #GuardianSaoPaulo, or emailing saopaulo.week@theguardian.com.
There are two occupations in Avenida São João: buildings number 288, and 588. Ana Terra Athayde is there this afternoon, talking to residents and coordinators.There are two occupations in Avenida São João: buildings number 288, and 588. Ana Terra Athayde is there this afternoon, talking to residents and coordinators.
588 is the former Columbia Palace Hotel. It had been closed for 27 years when it was occupied in October 2010. Today 81 families live there – 225 residents total, including 38 children. Here are some of their portraits.588 is the former Columbia Palace Hotel. It had been closed for 27 years when it was occupied in October 2010. Today 81 families live there – 225 residents total, including 38 children. Here are some of their portraits.
There are 225 people living in the São João 588 occupation in São Paulo. Here are some of them: pic.twitter.com/L1p6kkECo9There are 225 people living in the São João 588 occupation in São Paulo. Here are some of them: pic.twitter.com/L1p6kkECo9
The Columbia Palace Hotel occupation is known for its lively schedule of cultural activities, organised by and for its tight-knit community. It hosts capoeira, theatre, language classes and movie nights for its residents – there’s even a library.The Columbia Palace Hotel occupation is known for its lively schedule of cultural activities, organised by and for its tight-knit community. It hosts capoeira, theatre, language classes and movie nights for its residents – there’s even a library.
This building, previously known as the Columbia Palace Hotel, is now the home of 225 people. The families occupied it in 2010, renovated the abandoned rooms and built a cultural center, which hosts activities such as capoeira and French classes. Mildo Ferreira [last photo] has been here since 2011. A social worker and former piano teacher, he says that there are many artists living in this tight-knit community. #onassignment #GuardianSaoPauloThis building, previously known as the Columbia Palace Hotel, is now the home of 225 people. The families occupied it in 2010, renovated the abandoned rooms and built a cultural center, which hosts activities such as capoeira and French classes. Mildo Ferreira [last photo] has been here since 2011. A social worker and former piano teacher, he says that there are many artists living in this tight-knit community. #onassignment #GuardianSaoPaulo
A post shared by Ana Terra Athayde (@anaterrathayde) on Nov 27, 2017 at 8:29am PSTA post shared by Ana Terra Athayde (@anaterrathayde) on Nov 27, 2017 at 8:29am PST
91-year-old Elca Cartum has lived with the constant roar and pollution of the Minhocao a few metres from her living room window for 32 years #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/NvlqbmN8oB91-year-old Elca Cartum has lived with the constant roar and pollution of the Minhocao a few metres from her living room window for 32 years #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/NvlqbmN8oB
“I remember when our street had trees on it. It was so nice,” 91-year-old Elca Cartum told me as she sat in her living room, metres away from the incessant stream of cars and trucks on the elevated highway which passes right outside her window.“I remember when our street had trees on it. It was so nice,” 91-year-old Elca Cartum told me as she sat in her living room, metres away from the incessant stream of cars and trucks on the elevated highway which passes right outside her window.
In the late 1960s Brazil’s military dictatorship decided São Paulo needed an elevated highway to help link the east and west of the city. So began the largest infrastructure project in South America at the time, and the result was the Elevado Presidente Costa e Silva, named after a key figure in the military government. It has since been renamed, but everyone knows it as the Minhocão – after a giant mythical worm which roams the forests of South and Central America.In the late 1960s Brazil’s military dictatorship decided São Paulo needed an elevated highway to help link the east and west of the city. So began the largest infrastructure project in South America at the time, and the result was the Elevado Presidente Costa e Silva, named after a key figure in the military government. It has since been renamed, but everyone knows it as the Minhocão – after a giant mythical worm which roams the forests of South and Central America.
“As soon as they built it many of our neighbours moved away,” Elca recalls, but her husband wanted to stay near his dental surgery downtown, and the children were settled at school. “Once most of them had left it was too late for us. The price had fallen too far and we couldn’t make up the difference if we moved anywhere else. It was a sad time.”“As soon as they built it many of our neighbours moved away,” Elca recalls, but her husband wanted to stay near his dental surgery downtown, and the children were settled at school. “Once most of them had left it was too late for us. The price had fallen too far and we couldn’t make up the difference if we moved anywhere else. It was a sad time.”
But on Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday and weeknights, the highway is closed to cars and the residents take over. People skate, run, ride bikes, play football … Another kind of occupation by the people of São Paulo.But on Saturday afternoons, all day Sunday and weeknights, the highway is closed to cars and the residents take over. People skate, run, ride bikes, play football … Another kind of occupation by the people of São Paulo.
Irene Guimarães, who hosted us at Occupation Esperança, told us that the community is led by women – first out of necessity, as men worked during the day, and then because of the strength of their relationships. This video was again shot by Ana Terra Athayde.Irene Guimarães, who hosted us at Occupation Esperança, told us that the community is led by women – first out of necessity, as men worked during the day, and then because of the strength of their relationships. This video was again shot by Ana Terra Athayde.
Praça Roosevelt, a square boxed in by high-rise apartments in downtown São Paulo, was a hub of quiet activity on Saturday afternoon. Dog walkers, skateboarders and students sheltered from the 30C heat, and dotted along the perimeter, pairs of people sat facing each other in striped beach chairs, deep in conversation. Prominently displayed on an easel, a sign read “ATENDIMENTO: Publico. Individual. Gratuito.”Praça Roosevelt, a square boxed in by high-rise apartments in downtown São Paulo, was a hub of quiet activity on Saturday afternoon. Dog walkers, skateboarders and students sheltered from the 30C heat, and dotted along the perimeter, pairs of people sat facing each other in striped beach chairs, deep in conversation. Prominently displayed on an easel, a sign read “ATENDIMENTO: Publico. Individual. Gratuito.”
For four hours every Saturday, about 10 psychotherapists volunteer to provide free analysis for São Paulo residents. Between them, they see about 30 people each week, such as Djanira Carvalho, who came on the recommendation of her yoga teacher. She had seen a therapist for 20 years, but was now looking for different support. “I’m going through a moment in my life where I need help.”For four hours every Saturday, about 10 psychotherapists volunteer to provide free analysis for São Paulo residents. Between them, they see about 30 people each week, such as Djanira Carvalho, who came on the recommendation of her yoga teacher. She had seen a therapist for 20 years, but was now looking for different support. “I’m going through a moment in my life where I need help.”
Adriana Marino, a psychotherapist, said many people who sought the services of the Clínica Aberta (“Open Clinic”) had seen private practitioners in the past, but could no longer afford to do so. “Psychoanalysis shouldn’t be exclusively available to people who can afford treatment,” she said.Adriana Marino, a psychotherapist, said many people who sought the services of the Clínica Aberta (“Open Clinic”) had seen private practitioners in the past, but could no longer afford to do so. “Psychoanalysis shouldn’t be exclusively available to people who can afford treatment,” she said.
High rates of unemployment in São Paulo seemed of particular cause for concern, she said, as well as political upheaval in Brazil. “Psychoanalysis has something to do about this. I think it’s a way that we can hear the impact of this sociopolitical context.”High rates of unemployment in São Paulo seemed of particular cause for concern, she said, as well as political upheaval in Brazil. “Psychoanalysis has something to do about this. I think it’s a way that we can hear the impact of this sociopolitical context.”
Elle Hunt and Anna Sophie Gross spent the morning in Cracolândia, an occupation of a different kind. This is an open-air drugs market where hundreds of people live, buy and smoke crack.Elle Hunt and Anna Sophie Gross spent the morning in Cracolândia, an occupation of a different kind. This is an open-air drugs market where hundreds of people live, buy and smoke crack.
People this morning are lighting up and smoking fresh pipes, likely handed out by health workers to mitigate the dangers of pipe sharing.People this morning are lighting up and smoking fresh pipes, likely handed out by health workers to mitigate the dangers of pipe sharing.
No one seems to care that they can be seen by passers-by and police.No one seems to care that they can be seen by passers-by and police.
Although most are men, we can also see young children and women in the heart of the “flux” – the tented area where addicts buy from dealers.Although most are men, we can also see young children and women in the heart of the “flux” – the tented area where addicts buy from dealers.
That's Cracolândia: a block given over to crack addicts, watched over by civil and military police and public health professionals. We can't film any closer, but from this vantage point you can clearly see how defined the area is https://t.co/DP6rvJz4Tq #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/xsijjbzWWPThat's Cracolândia: a block given over to crack addicts, watched over by civil and military police and public health professionals. We can't film any closer, but from this vantage point you can clearly see how defined the area is https://t.co/DP6rvJz4Tq #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/xsijjbzWWP
Public officials wearing blue and green jackets mill around the periphery, offering health and documentation support.Public officials wearing blue and green jackets mill around the periphery, offering health and documentation support.
It’s too dangerous to film from close, so we climbed to the top of the Culture Ministry building and filmed from the clock tower, which offers amazing views of the whole region.It’s too dangerous to film from close, so we climbed to the top of the Culture Ministry building and filmed from the clock tower, which offers amazing views of the whole region.
Views from up high of Cracolandia - the open air drugs fair #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/bX0i387jWBViews from up high of Cracolandia - the open air drugs fair #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/bX0i387jWB
Read Sam Cowie’s exclusive report on Crackland’s incredible imperviousness here:Read Sam Cowie’s exclusive report on Crackland’s incredible imperviousness here:
Last night hundreds of tents were damaged and paths turned to mud as São Paulo’s biggest land occupation was battered by some of the heaviest rains of the year.Last night hundreds of tents were damaged and paths turned to mud as São Paulo’s biggest land occupation was battered by some of the heaviest rains of the year.
Residents of the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) camp in São Bernardo do Campos district said, however, that soaked bedding and dirty shoes were relatively minor problems compared to the hardship of living on the streets and the prejudice they have faced from neighbours – some of whom have shot down at them from nearby tower blocks.Residents of the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) camp in São Bernardo do Campos district said, however, that soaked bedding and dirty shoes were relatively minor problems compared to the hardship of living on the streets and the prejudice they have faced from neighbours – some of whom have shot down at them from nearby tower blocks.
One man was hit in the arm and another grazed on the leg by bullets a couple of months ago, according to organisers from the Homeless Workers Movement.One man was hit in the arm and another grazed on the leg by bullets a couple of months ago, according to organisers from the Homeless Workers Movement.
The incident is a sign of the unease stirred up by the camp of 5,000-10,000 tents that has been erected over the past few months on an empty plot of land owned by a construction company.The incident is a sign of the unease stirred up by the camp of 5,000-10,000 tents that has been erected over the past few months on an empty plot of land owned by a construction company.
“The worst thing about living here is the hostility of the neighbours. The best thing is the warm camaraderie of people inside the camp who are working for each other,” said Joana Nunes, who describes the occupation as a symbolic cry for help by people who lack access to decent housing, healthcare and education.“The worst thing about living here is the hostility of the neighbours. The best thing is the warm camaraderie of people inside the camp who are working for each other,” said Joana Nunes, who describes the occupation as a symbolic cry for help by people who lack access to decent housing, healthcare and education.
The high number of tents is somewhat misleading. The vast majority are empty placeholders for people who live elsewhere but come to register their support and their desire for better homes.The high number of tents is somewhat misleading. The vast majority are empty placeholders for people who live elsewhere but come to register their support and their desire for better homes.
But there are several hundred permanent residents, many of whom have harrowing personal experience of life on the streets.But there are several hundred permanent residents, many of whom have harrowing personal experience of life on the streets.
Elizabeth Rodrigues lives here with her husband and their 16-month-old daughter after being thrown out of her mother’s home. Their tent is tiny. There is barely enough space for a bed. But she says it is much better than the truck where they used to sleep. “It’s warmer and drier and better for the baby,” she says.Elizabeth Rodrigues lives here with her husband and their 16-month-old daughter after being thrown out of her mother’s home. Their tent is tiny. There is barely enough space for a bed. But she says it is much better than the truck where they used to sleep. “It’s warmer and drier and better for the baby,” she says.
But it is not a proper home, which is what she and the other residents are campaigning for through their occupation of this land.But it is not a proper home, which is what she and the other residents are campaigning for through their occupation of this land.
Guardian Cities is based this week at the offices of Repórter Brasil. Here is chief reporter Ana Aranha:Guardian Cities is based this week at the offices of Repórter Brasil. Here is chief reporter Ana Aranha:
Repórter Brasil has joined the effort to unearth São Paulo’s hidden stories with the Guardian Cities team, who are using our office as headquarters. Since 2001, our nonprofit has been investigating international supply chains that connect the world consumer market with Brazil’s deep-rooted problems, such as slave labour and the indiscriminate use of pesticides.Repórter Brasil has joined the effort to unearth São Paulo’s hidden stories with the Guardian Cities team, who are using our office as headquarters. Since 2001, our nonprofit has been investigating international supply chains that connect the world consumer market with Brazil’s deep-rooted problems, such as slave labour and the indiscriminate use of pesticides.
In fact, this morning Repórter Brasil is releasing a story on pesticides that are banned in the EU, but largely allowed in our country – the world’s largest herbicide consumer.In fact, this morning Repórter Brasil is releasing a story on pesticides that are banned in the EU, but largely allowed in our country – the world’s largest herbicide consumer.
Later this week with Guardian Cities we will also publish an expose of the illegal “Night Market” run by slave labour, and a report on how the city’s indigenous community fought back by seizing a TV tower.Later this week with Guardian Cities we will also publish an expose of the illegal “Night Market” run by slave labour, and a report on how the city’s indigenous community fought back by seizing a TV tower.
And we kick off today with our own Leonardo Sakamoto’s impassioned view on how inequality divides the landscape of the city:And we kick off today with our own Leonardo Sakamoto’s impassioned view on how inequality divides the landscape of the city:
São Paulo is a city of extremes, and the stark differences between the generally wealthier inner core and the poorer periphery are clear in the Map of Inequality 2017 created by Rede Nossa Sao Paulo.São Paulo is a city of extremes, and the stark differences between the generally wealthier inner core and the poorer periphery are clear in the Map of Inequality 2017 created by Rede Nossa Sao Paulo.
The NGO says not much has changed fundamentally for the city’s 12 million residents since it started collating data for its annual report five years ago.The NGO says not much has changed fundamentally for the city’s 12 million residents since it started collating data for its annual report five years ago.
You can see more maps here on teen pregnancies, favelas and average age of death.You can see more maps here on teen pregnancies, favelas and average age of death.
By the way, whether you are in São Paulo or elsewhere, we would love to hear from you – not only about your experiences of the city, but what you think of our reporting. Though we cannot host comments in Portuguese on site, there are several ways you can engage with us in both Portuguese and English:By the way, whether you are in São Paulo or elsewhere, we would love to hear from you – not only about your experiences of the city, but what you think of our reporting. Though we cannot host comments in Portuguese on site, there are several ways you can engage with us in both Portuguese and English:
Use the hashtag #GuardianSaoPaulo on Twitter and InstagramUse the hashtag #GuardianSaoPaulo on Twitter and Instagram
Chat to our journalists on Twitter – here’s a list of the core teamChat to our journalists on Twitter – here’s a list of the core team
Email your thoughts at saopaulo.week@theguardian.comEmail your thoughts at saopaulo.week@theguardian.com
If you are in São Paulo, come along to our event in the Copan on Thursday – details hereIf you are in São Paulo, come along to our event in the Copan on Thursday – details here
Please get in touch!Please get in touch!
Sao Paulo has a thriving newspaper market, and the headlines across the city’s papers today tackle a range of issues.Sao Paulo has a thriving newspaper market, and the headlines across the city’s papers today tackle a range of issues.
For many Paulistas, the biggest news of the day (year?) will be that much-loved football team Corinthians lifted the cup of the Brazilian championship yesterday, for the seventh time.For many Paulistas, the biggest news of the day (year?) will be that much-loved football team Corinthians lifted the cup of the Brazilian championship yesterday, for the seventh time.
In politics, after much hype last week, TV presenter Luciano Huck announces that he will not run as a presidential candidate next year when Brazil holds general elections.In politics, after much hype last week, TV presenter Luciano Huck announces that he will not run as a presidential candidate next year when Brazil holds general elections.
Elsewhere, in midst of economic recession, Senators increase expenses for private jets, government pushes for controversial pension reform talks, rubbish floats in Sao Paulo periphery reservoirs, armed robbery at shopping mall in city’s East Zone causes panic ... and half of old people have sex, according to a poll.Elsewhere, in midst of economic recession, Senators increase expenses for private jets, government pushes for controversial pension reform talks, rubbish floats in Sao Paulo periphery reservoirs, armed robbery at shopping mall in city’s East Zone causes panic ... and half of old people have sex, according to a poll.
Folha: SP football club Corinthians lift cup of Brazilian championship, "I will not be a presidential candidate," says TV presenter Huck, government pushes pension reform talks #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/56auZ69cNgFolha: SP football club Corinthians lift cup of Brazilian championship, "I will not be a presidential candidate," says TV presenter Huck, government pushes pension reform talks #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/56auZ69cNg
Estadão: senators increase spending on private jets during recession, Corinthians take title, singer Anitta eyes international market #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/rIEFAXcwjnEstadão: senators increase spending on private jets during recession, Corinthians take title, singer Anitta eyes international market #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/rIEFAXcwjn
Agora: Corinthians, shopping mall robbery, rubbish in water reservoirs on periphery #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/6x8k2qGRm5Agora: Corinthians, shopping mall robbery, rubbish in water reservoirs on periphery #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/6x8k2qGRm5
The No. 1 view of São Paulo – from Occupation Esperança #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/XyRf78nD3hThe No. 1 view of São Paulo – from Occupation Esperança #GuardianSaoPaulo pic.twitter.com/XyRf78nD3h
On the outskirts of São Paulo, about a 40-minute drive from downtown, is Occupation Esperança, an informal settlement of about 500 families.On the outskirts of São Paulo, about a 40-minute drive from downtown, is Occupation Esperança, an informal settlement of about 500 families.
With grand brick homes neighbouring wooden shacks, it’s still under construction following a major fire last September – a blaze that erupted just as the community was preparing its bid for official government recognition.With grand brick homes neighbouring wooden shacks, it’s still under construction following a major fire last September – a blaze that erupted just as the community was preparing its bid for official government recognition.
Video journalist Ana Terra Athayde filmed this short clip with Irene Guimarães, an activist and leader within the community.Video journalist Ana Terra Athayde filmed this short clip with Irene Guimarães, an activist and leader within the community.
Welcome to the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) land occupation in the São Bernardo district of São Paulo.Welcome to the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) land occupation in the São Bernardo district of São Paulo.
Morning downpour brings mud & floods to the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) land occupation in São Bernardo district of São Paulo. 8,000 families affiliated to the MTST (Homeless Workers Movement) have tents here, though only a few hundred reside full time. #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/yfMr1wx8SpMorning downpour brings mud & floods to the Povo Sem Medo (People Without Fear) land occupation in São Bernardo district of São Paulo. 8,000 families affiliated to the MTST (Homeless Workers Movement) have tents here, though only a few hundred reside full time. #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/yfMr1wx8Sp
In a field abutting a row of skyscrapers are thousands of tents owned by people affiliated to the MTST (Landless Workers Movement). Life here is never easy, but it’s particularly tough in heavy rain – although the clouds are clearing now.In a field abutting a row of skyscrapers are thousands of tents owned by people affiliated to the MTST (Landless Workers Movement). Life here is never easy, but it’s particularly tough in heavy rain – although the clouds are clearing now.
Now the clouds have finally cleared a quick video report from the Homeless Workers Movement land occupation in São Bernardo do Campo. #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/aQEalycwpRNow the clouds have finally cleared a quick video report from the Homeless Workers Movement land occupation in São Bernardo do Campo. #guardiansaopaulo pic.twitter.com/aQEalycwpR
Bom dia, Paulistanos! Tudo bem?Bom dia, Paulistanos! Tudo bem?
Guardian Cities is live in the great megacity of South America, reporting all day long from the front lines of what is a truly remarkable phenomenon: São Paulo’s hundreds of occupations.Guardian Cities is live in the great megacity of South America, reporting all day long from the front lines of what is a truly remarkable phenomenon: São Paulo’s hundreds of occupations.
These acts of resistance take many forms: working folk who take up residence in vacant office towers to be closer to their jobs; homeless people living in makeshifts huts on public land; and militant housing activists reclaiming unused territory while inviting rock stars and politicians to address their thousands of followers.These acts of resistance take many forms: working folk who take up residence in vacant office towers to be closer to their jobs; homeless people living in makeshifts huts on public land; and militant housing activists reclaiming unused territory while inviting rock stars and politicians to address their thousands of followers.
Our correspondent Jonathan Watts is visiting what is perhaps the most impressive occupation of all: the awe-inspiring, 8,000-strong “Tent City” of Sem Medo, where Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso and firebrand leftist former president Lula have made appearances – and where it is has been pouring down rain all morning...Our correspondent Jonathan Watts is visiting what is perhaps the most impressive occupation of all: the awe-inspiring, 8,000-strong “Tent City” of Sem Medo, where Brazilian musician Caetano Veloso and firebrand leftist former president Lula have made appearances – and where it is has been pouring down rain all morning...