One of the most violent slums in Rio de Janeiro is set to make the most of recent raids to expel drug traffickers by hosting 14 foreigners to welcome the New Year, dpa reported. The "favela" (slum) of Pavao Pavaozinho stands on a hilltop between the neighbourhoods of Copacabana and Ipanema. From there, visitors are set to enjoy a privileged viewpoint for the 15-minute fireworks display with which Rio is to welcome 2010. The owner of the agency Ipanema 4 Travel, Hercules Gusmao, organized a party on the roof of the home of a 76-year-old woman who has lived in Pavao Pavaozinho for six decades. "From there, they can see the show along four kilometres of beach. It will be incredible," Gusmao said. At least 2 million people are expected to gather late Thursday on the world-famous Copacabana Beach for a massive beach party with fireworks as the highlight. City authorities invested close to 10 million dollars in the celebrations. About 8.6 million dollars of that came from private sponsors. Argentine Fernando Froy, 40, is one of the tourists who are set to visit the favela over the New Year. He will reportedly be joined by others from Spain, France, the United States, South Africa and Australia. These tourists paid 145 dollars each for the right to celebrate in the slum, which has been under police control since December 23. If everything goes according to plan, New Year celebrations at the favela are set to expand next year. Ipanema 4 Travel plans to hold parties at 40 homes in Pavao Pavaozinho to welcome 2011.
