Through the darkness of the night, between the blinking of many lightning bugs, I walk in the direction of the Caldron. Even though I am still far from the prison, I can hear the sound of the music that is being played by the samba group. The party has already started.

From the entrance door, I can see the excitement inside. As I leave my passport with the guard, I notice Captain Isaías only a few meters ahead. He is surrounded by four policemen and in front of an individual who appears to be an inmate. I approach the Captain to ask one more time for permission to photograph the party. Without interrupting the conversation of the group, he greets me with only a nod and continues to listen to what the young person has to say.

The man, about 28 years old, is thin and has curly hair. His face is deformed and swollen, with one of his eyes half-closed. I believe that his injuries are the consequence of a beating. During the conversation, I discover that he is the fugitive who was captured one day before. In joking tones, the captain, together with the guards, listens while the young man implore them to let him leave the prison. "Please, Director." says the inmate, pointing to the exit door which is only 50 feet from us. "The gate is open, let me go out, let me walk outside. I can't get accustomed to it here and I will never get accustomed to it. I am getting crazy here...", he says without stopping, while the others around him laugh.

With a hidden gesture, and a quick whisper, the captain asks me to pretend that I am going to take a photo of the prisoner's face. Shaking my head, I answer that I do not want to do this, and I take the opportunity to ask his permission to enter and photograph the party. He becomes serious, thinks for a moment, and then grants me authorization under the condition that I photograph the front of his villa, and send him the prints.

As I enter the Caldron, I can no longer imagine it as a penitentiary. Children play running around me, girls pass by smiling, and well-dressed women talk in groups as if they were at a party in their neighborhood. The prisoners look as if they have just stepped from a shower. They have shaved, brushed their hair, and are nicely dressed. Several of them greet me as we pass and others introduce me to their friends and family members.

A good smell from the barbecue spreads in the air and eight samba musicians enliven the party with a real samba show. A small bicycle, hanging from the roof of the stage, will be raffled off between all of the children. Around the sand patio, several couples are dancing, each holding their companion close. The environment is very festive. Inside the building, several inmates exhibit various objects for sale, particularly cartoon magazines and personal art work.

As I walk to Paulinho visitors' room, I am stopped several times by prisoners asking me to take a photograph of them with their guests. When I meet Paulinho, I have the pleasant surprise of seeing him wearing the baseball shirt that I gave to him. Very happy, he gives me a strong hug and wants to introduce me to his mother, who is resting in his room.

Between several bags and clothing bundles, Mrs. Maria sits on the bed knitting. When she sees me, she stands up and also gives me a strong hug. "Being close to my son makes me very happy!"

Outside of the room, in the middle of an animated group, we meet Paulinho's girlfriend Claudia, with her daughter and granddaughter. Joyfully, she doesn't stop kissing her partner.

The night program is exciting. The musicians leave the stage to give room to the next attraction. A young man recites a poem which contains a religious message as well as an homage to the Bagulhão and the Comando Vermelho. When he finishes, all the inmates and visitors salute, standing with their right hand to their forehead.