Tourism becomes weapon of choice for Colombia's Comuna 13 to shed stigma of violence

Residents are erasing the favela's violent history with murals, dancing and good food

Published: December 05, 2019 13:35 AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Producer

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Stricken relentlessly by violence, Comuna 13, a neighbourhood high up in the Colombian city of Medellín whose streets and terraces once ran bright with rivers of blood, resists remaining synonymous with danger thanks to the initiative of its residents to use tourism as its newest weapon. Image Credit: AFP

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Comuna 13 was a pivotal centre for paramilitary guerrilla and gang activity Image Credit: AFP

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The metro cable system at the Comuna 13 neighborhood. With 25,000 monthly visits, tourism has become an arm to dissuade violence in Medellin Image Credit: AFP

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Tourists and locals ride the electric escalators at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin Image Credit: AFP

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Colombiam Paola Rivas cooks 'Sancocho' for tourists at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin Image Credit: AFP

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Colombiam Paola Rivas serves 'Sancocho' for tourists at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin Image Credit: AFP

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A woman waits for customers at a T-shirt stall at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin. Image Credit: AFP

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A tour guide and a tourist walk as a woman cooks at the Comuna 13 neighbourhood in Medellin Image Credit: AFP

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A girl explains a graffiti to tourists at the Comuna 13 neighbourhood in Medellin, Colombia. Image Credit: AFP

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Break dancer Alexander Gamboa (L) performs for tourists at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin. Image Credit: AFP

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Tourists pose as they eat ice creams - known as 'cremas' - at the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin Image Credit: AFP

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Tourists visit the Comuna 13 neighborhood in Medellin, Colombia Image Credit: AFP

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Tourists visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood in Medellin, Colombia Image Credit: AFP

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