it's close enough to the favela entrance that I generally don't wander over that way too much, esp. at night.
Farme do Amoedo is quite secure street, always crowded and with lots of people (especially in front of Bofetada Bar). Btw, during carnaval Farme gets so packed that it is impossible to transit.
Here is a list of "blocos", for all tastes:
http://www1.folha.uol.com.br/folha/t...338u5472.shtml
Rgs,