Talavera Bruce Women's Prison

Talavera Bruce prison in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Sept. 02, 2005 The Garota TB Miss Talaveras Bruce Beauty Pageant is an important break from routine in the lives of about 330 female inmates in the maximum security prison located in Rio de Janeiros notorious Bangú area, where some of Rios top drug traffickers are held. The second annual pageant, which the VivaRio Non-governmental organization helps organize, tries to transform these dangerous criminals, at least for one day, into beautiful, dazzling, beauty pageant hopefuls - and their respective cheering sections. Last year's winner was a blond woman from Portugal. (Renzo Gostoli/Australfoto)

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Talavera Bruce prison in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Sept. 02, 2005 The Garota TB Miss Talaveras Bruce Beauty Pageant is an important break from routine in the lives of about 330 female inmates in the maximum security prison located in Rio de Janeiros notorious Bangú area, where some of Rios top drug traffickers are held. The second annual pageant, which the VivaRio Non-governmental organization helps organize, tries to transform these dangerous criminals, at least for one day, into beautiful, dazzling, beauty pageant hopefuls - and their respective cheering sections. Last year's winner was a blond woman from Portugal. (Renzo Gostoli/Australfoto)

Brasil Brazil Rio de Janeiro Talavera Bruce inmate jail female jail Gostoli woman