The Pride of Comuna 13

Within the city of ¨Eternal Spring¨ lies a community of neighbors who, despite a troubled past, exemplifies the pride of rebirth. Comuna 13 is one of sixteen comunas (a small unit of local government) that make up Medellin. Located in the northwest foothills of Medellin, Comuna 13 is an area that has seen more than its share of tragedy. But just as the ¨escaleras electricas¨ are changing the hillside terrain, so too are the people of Comuna 13 showing pride as they work to transform their neighborhoods and lives into a colorful future.

Meet our tour guide, Daniel!

We first met Daniel when we became volunteer English teachers with Proyecto Prime, an organization that offers free English classes at the San Javier Library in Comuna 13. We have been told that in Colombia being able to speak English is a valuable skill that makes it possible to get better paying jobs. Daniel and other guides who give tours in their neighborhood in Comuna 13 know this. In addition to working and caring for their families, they put time and effort into learning English. During our Wednesday afternoon classes, we look forward to seeing the BRIGHT smiles and ENTHUSIASTIC personalities of Daniel and the other guides!

We were happy when Daniel offered to be our guide one day as we explored his beloved Comuna 13 neighborhood. He spoke mainly Spanish, which helps us practice our ¨Spanish listening skills¨, but I´m sure that I didn´t catch all of the small details during our tour. But it was easy to understand the pride that he has for the ¨escaleras electricas¨ that bring tourists as well as new life (vida) to his neighborhood.

Come along as we experience the Pride of Comuna 13!

Comuna 13 was once considered one of the most dangerous areas in Medellin. In the 1970s and 80s, displaced farmers from the rural areas of Colombia moved into Medellin in order to find better paying jobs. These immigrants faced many hardships as they lived in poorly constructed homes and struggled to support their families. They became vulnerable to the drug lords who controlled this area known to be strategically valuable for the trafficking of drugs and weapons.

The struggles continued for the next thirty years and culminated with the tragic Orión military operation in October 2002. In the years that followed, the Medellin government began to invest money into Comuna 13 in order to help improve the lives of the people who had lived through so much violence.

In 2008 a new cable car line was completed that connected this hillside comuna with the rest of Medellin. In 2011, six escaleras electricas (electric escalators) were completed on the very steep hillside. These escalators transformed the strenuous 350 step/30 minute climb up the hill into an easier six minute ride up. But more than saving steps, the escalators brought a new pride to Comuna 13. 

Pride in the the form of colorful and elaborate graffiti murals that portray the story of the    community´s struggles and triumphs.

Pride in the form of musicians and entertainers who show off their talents ...

... while teaching future generations.

Pride in the form of  young people like Daniel who shares his hopes for ¨less bullets and more dreams¨ with curious tourists ...

... while being a positive role model
for the next generation.

One of our greatest joys during our stay in Medellin has been being able to get to know the heart of the community ... by teaching as well as learning from young people like Daniel!

Daniel and our other guías (guides) students are working hard to improve their lives as they share their pride of Comuna 13!

Hasta luego ... Show Pride in Your Community ... and enjoy the adventures in your life!

Sharing a silly moment at ¨the mural of the lovers¨!

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