Comuna 13 is a Medellín neighborhood that has experienced a boom in tourism within the past few years. Before then, Comuna 13 was generally considered a no-go zone for many Medellín locals due to high rates of violence, most often caused by Colombian rebel groups and drug trafficking gangs. In recent years, however, Comuna 13 locals have reclaimed their community, especially through painting beautiful graffiti murals along neighborhood walls and developing a grassroots tourism industry that allows them to share their community pride with foreign visitors. I appreciated both viewing the beautiful works of art all over Comuna 13 and also hearing the inspiring story of Comuna 13's rebirth as a safe and vibrant neighborhood from a young local tour guide named Davíd.
Comuna 13 was once one of the most dangerous zones in all of Medellín. During the height of the drug-related violence in Medellín, Comuna 13 was largely controlled by rival drug cartels and paramilitary groups. The working-class families of Comuna 13 lived by unwritten rules about where and when they could travel around their neighborhood. After sunset, most everyone was already shut up in their homes to avoid potential trouble. When my tour guide, David, was growing up, he told us that he often felt unsafe playing outside with his friends because of the threat from local gangs.
