Wall graffiti and murals in Brazil became legalized in 2009, when the Brazilian government passed the law, which decriminalizes street art. In an amendment to a federal law that punishes the defacing of urban buildings or monuments, street art was made legal if done with the consent of the owners. Since then, many property owners commissioned artists to produce graffiti for them, enhancing, in most cases, the aesthetics of the property. So the cement walls became art galleries.

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Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

The football life of Brazil, five-time World Cup Champion and host country of 2014 World Cup, inspired a great number of football-related graffiti and murals on the streets. There are five “official” murals in Rio, which are dedicated to each Championship game. The one below, located in Santa Teresa district, reminds about the 5-2 victory over France in 1958.

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Santa Teresa also owns another wall, decorated with a mural depicting the Team Brazil as 2014 World Cup Champion. I find it very entertaining, especially, the drawing of crying Messi :) Ahhh, Argentina–Brazil football rivalry! I guess Hulk’s face was vandalized by Argentinian fans?

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

The freshest football-related mural is located in Copacabana. Football fan and painter Marcos Jambeiro has created a monumental mural painting with the greatest moments of the World Cup, held in Brazil last year. Everything that happened during the Championship has been painted as a summary on the wall. Jambeiro has been working on it daily since the World Cup began, and when the piece was completely finished, it told the full story of the 2014 Tournament, from Robin van Persie’s header to Luis Suarez’s teeth to Neymar’s injury to the tragic 7-1 defeat against Germany and to the Final (…remember crying Messi?).

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Lapa neighborhood has been known for its lively cultural life. It was, and still is, famous for its many restaurants, bars and clubs where the various forms of Brazilian music can be appreciated. Here are some photos of murals from streets of Lapa.

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

The Santa Marta favela is known for its “Michael Jackson Square”, a small plaza near the top of the hill, where, in 1996, Michael Jackson filmed his video clip “They Don’t Care About Us”. The square commemorates pop-star’s visit with his statue and wall mural.

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Street art in Brazil is a thriving, encouraged art form, and that is certainly apparent in Rio de Janeiro, where street graffiti and murals can be found in all city neighborhoods.

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro

Graffiti Wall Murals. Street Art in Rio de Janeiro