LeisureattheBangufactory

The establishment of the Companhia Progresso Industrial in Bangu was responsible for a series of urban changes in the region, such as the construction of the Bangu railway station and the Santa Cruz branch line, as well as churches, villages, and streets that shaped the current neighborhood.

But the factory was also a driving force behind many cultural and educational activities. It was thanks to the arrival of the new residents - factory workers - that the first school in Bangu, the hugely important Bangu Athletic Club, and the Sociedade Musical Progresso de Bangu, which would later become known as Cassino Bangu, were created.

Image description: This is an old photograph of an industrial building. The image is in black and white, showing a brick structure with classical architecture. On the left side, there is a section of the building that appears to be a factory, with large doors and rectangular windows. On the right, there is a taller structure with decorative arches and a sign bearing the Red Cross symbol. In front of the building, there are trees and a low fence. In the background, we see a mountain covered with vegetation.

Founded on May 1, 1907, the Sociedade Musical Progresso de Bangu became a landmark in the culture of Rio de Janeiro's West Zone. Also known as Cassino Bangu, the Sociedade Musical was the stage for great theatrical shows of the 20th century. With film screenings, music shows, and dance balls, the venue became a go-to spot for leisure and entertainment for the workers.

Image description: This is a black-and-white photograph of a large group of people gathered indoors, likely in a factory. On the left side, we see a series of counters with people standing, watching the center of the image. In the center, there is a large crowd of workers dressed in white uniforms, some dancing or talking. On the right, more people are on an upper balcony, also watching. The atmosphere seems lively and social, possibly during a leisure event organized by the factory.

Having hosted illustrious visitors such as the President of the Republic himself, Washington Luís, in 1926, Cassino Bangu had its headquarters relocated in 1929. In the 1990s, the funk balls held at the Cassino marked a generation. Set to the sound of the Furacão 2000 crew, the venue was a meeting point for many young people looking to enjoy Rio's nightlife.

It is said that the balls were often marked by disputes between gangs from all over Rio de Janeiro. The neighborhoods acted like teams that had a side A and a side B. Some sound crews of the period were affiliated with these groups and made lyrics and beats that encouraged the fights, which left the balls markedly recognized for violence.