Medellín, a city that has experienced important infrastructural advancement and social progress, continues to face challenges related to its violent past.
Every year on November 30,the city is engulfed in a firework explosion known as the “alborada,” a tradition with roots in paramilitarism and drug trafficking,according to a report from My East. This practise, which began as a festivity of the demobilization of the paramilitary bloc, which became a symbol of the relationship between organized crime and local culture.
The dawn began in 2003 when diego Murillo Bejarano,alias “Don Berna”,the leader of the Cacique Nutibara Bloc,ordered the purchase of gunpowder to celebrate the delivery of weapons by his group. This event was the beginning of a tradition that continues to affect the city, despite the efforts of the local authorities.
The night of November 30 is characterized by an increase in cases of burns and a negative impact on local fauna, especially dogs, cats and birds, which suffer disorientation and stress due to noise.
The Medellín authorities, led by Mayor Federico Gutiérrez, have tried to combat this practice through awareness campaigns and the promotion of cultural alternatives. In an attempt to change the perception of the dawn,the city organized cultural events with the participation of thousands of artists, looking to place fireworks in a safer and more responsible place of celebration.
Dawn’s influence is not limited to Medellín. In Cali, another Colombian city, the use of gunpowder during year-end festivities is a threat to urban fauna.Species such as guinea pigs, foxes and opossums are affected by the noise and lights, which has led authorities to impose restrictive measures and sanctions on those who use fireworks in public spaces.
The gunpowder problem in Colombia reflects a wider challenge in the region, where tradition and modernity are clashing in a context of social transformation.Campaigns such as “I am anti-gunpowder” seek to raise awareness among the public about the risks associated with the use of fireworks,environmental protection and promote animal and human well-being..
Despite efforts to change these practices, the Alborada remains a reminder of the complex relationship between Medellín’s violent past and its transformative present. The authorities and organizations continue to work to eradicate this tradition and to promote a culture of peace and respect for the environment and its inhabitants.
Personería Cali asked the authorities to speed up the issuance of a decree that prohibits the handling,sale and transport of these materials,in order to prevent accidents and protect the population,especially minors.
This initiative comes after the worrying figures of the Ministry of Health,ie. who reported that valle del Cauca registered in December 2023 82 people burned with gunpowder,of which 31% were minors..
The Secretary of health of cali, Germán Escobar, reported that the management is working on measures to guarantee the safety of citizens. “We are taking these measures to prevent any burns or injuries, especially in children and adolescents,” declared Escobar.
The concern is not only directed at humans, as gunpowder also affects pets, who tend to become stressed and, in certain specific cases, run away from their homes. Patricia Dosman, a well-known animal activist from Cali, revealed that 36 cases of animals affected by gunpowder were reported during the dawn of 2023.
Dawn, a celebration that marks the beginning of the Christmas season, is famous for the heavy use of gunpowder, which creates a risk environment for both humans and animals. Due to the lack of adequate permits for these celebrations, the authorities considered the ban a necessary measure to prevent the festivities from becoming a source of grief..
The decree being prepared seeks not only to prohibit the sale and handling of gunpowder, but also its transport, in order to reduce related incidents. The Cali Personería emphasized the importance of acting quickly so that the measures are in place before the December celebrations begin.
What initiatives are being taken to transform traditional celebrations in medellín?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Urban Safety Expert on the Conversion of Medellín’s Traditional Celebrations
Editor (E): Good day and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sofia Morales, an urban safety expert and advocate for responsible party practices. Dr.morales, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Sofia Morales (SM): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Medellín has a long-standing tradition known as “alborada,” celebrated on November 30.Can you give our audience a brief overview of its origins and the issues it presents today?
SM: Certainly. The “alborada” tradition dates back to 2003, initiated by Diego Murillo bejarano, also known as “Don Berna,” who celebrated the demobilization of his paramilitary group with fireworks. Unfortunately, this celebration has evolved to become associated with organized crime, creating a dangerous relationship between festivity and violence. Each year, the fireworks lead to numerous burns, injuries, and even fatalities, as well as notable distress for local wildlife, particularly pets.
E: It sounds quite troubling. Despite these dangers, Medellín is taking steps to transform this tradition into something more responsible. What are some of the initiatives being proposed?
SM: The city has launched an innovative campaign focused on replacing dangerous pyrotechnics with safe community events. The goal is to foster unity and shared joy without the associated risks. as an example, instead of fireworks, local leaders are proposing street festivals featuring music, art, and cultural performances—activities that engage the community in a more positive manner.
E: That sounds like an excellent approach.Though, changing long-standing traditions can be challenging. How has the community responded to these proposals?
SM: The response has been mixed, as you might expect. Some community members are excited about this change and understand the need for safer celebrations. Others, though, feel a strong attachment to the traditional “alborada.” It’s crucial to involve these stakeholders in the planning process to ensure that the new celebrations resonate with the community values while enhancing safety.
E: That’s a great point. Engaging the community is essential. What role do local authorities play in facilitating this transition?
SM: Local authorities are vital in promoting awareness about the dangers of traditional celebrations and providing the necessary resources for new initiatives. They can also enforce regulations on fireworks and offer platforms for community participation and education, ensuring that everyone understands the benefits of the changes.
E: It sounds like there’s a concerted effort to highlight safety while still allowing for celebration. What other cities can learn from Medellín’s experience in addressing similar issues?
SM: Many cities grapple with hazardous celebrations rooted in local history.Medellín’s approach of actively transforming a dangerous tradition into an inclusive community celebration can serve as a model. Lessons in community engagement, education on safety, and creative alternatives can be adapted to fit the unique contexts of other urban areas facing similar challenges.
E: Dr. Morales, your insights today are incredibly valuable. As cities like medellín work toward a safer future without losing their cultural heritage, it’s essential for ongoing dialog and innovative solutions. Any final thoughts you’d like to share with our readers?
SM: Yes. I would encourage communities to embrace change while honoring their traditions. By collaborating with local leaders and residents, they can create celebrations that not onyl respect cultural heritage but also prioritize health and safety for everyone involved.
E: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for your expertise and for shedding light on this important topic. We look forward to seeing how Medellín evolves its “alborada” celebration into a safer tradition.
SM: Thank you for having me, and for highlighting these important discussions.
E: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. Join us next time on Time.news for more insightful discussions on pressing global issues.
