The Unsung Hero of Rio Life

This is the porteiro (doorman). And while he may look like he is just passing the time, make no mistake: he is the most important social institution in the building. He is the eyes, ears, and often the heart of the neighborhood.

For a visitor, the porteiro might seem like a simple security feature. But to understand life in Rio, you have to understand that his role goes far beyond opening doors. He is a concierge, a neighborhood watchman, a confidant, and the subtle glue that holds the vertical village of an apartment building together.