Medellín, la comuna 13

Medellín is famous for its history in drug trafficking, violence and Pablo Escobar, of course. The people here obviously don't want to be related to these topics all the time, comparably to the German history. However, it does not date back that long in history and violence is still present in may regions, especially the comuna 13 in Medellín.

It was centre of violence during the civil war (involving the guerillas of the Farc, military, police, the government and the drug cartels) and it still is dominated by gangs. It was quite shocking reading in a newspaper that more than 100 people are killed here each year and especially social leaders, that want to help their communities, are victim to death threats. This is true despite the fact that the government did a lot to develop the comuna by building ways and escalators for a better connection to the city (although for this, many families had to leave their homes!). The history and concerns of today's inhabitants are shown in the graffitis throughout the neighborhood.Read more