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Breaking Borders: From Criminals to Storytellers for a Brighter Future
“There was a boy who was the son of the leader of the district. He wanted to flee, but he couldn’t. They shot him, and he died.” Entering the Barrio Egipto on the Breaking Borders tour and hearing about the stories of its people is an experience unlike any other. Discover the heart of Colombia's street art capital with our Breaking Borders Tour, where a graffiti tour is an essential experience you won't want to miss. Murals and street art adorn bridges and walls throughout the city, conveying messages of love and resistance in a society facing challenges. However, what truly sets this tour apart is its exploration of how graffiti art reflects the real lives of social leaders who have found alternatives to violence, sharing stories of resilience and forgiveness. Led by former gang members who once knew only violence and crime, this project has transformed the community, drastically reducing robbery rates to almost none in the past years.
Barrio Egipto in Bogotá - the second oldest neighborhood after La Candelaria
Barrio Egipto, located in the heart of Bogotá, has a history marked by transformation, resilience, and community spirit. Founded in the early 20th century, this neighborhood began as a modest settlement for workers who migrated to the city in search of better opportunities. During its early years, Barrio Egipto grew rapidly as people from rural areas moved to Bogotá. The neighborhood's strategic location, close to the city center (La Candelaria), made it a convenient place for laborers and their families. However, the rapid influx of residents led to overpopulation and inadequate infrastructure, setting the stage for future challenges.
Barrio Egipto holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of Jorge Eliecer Gaitán, a prominent Colombian political leader whose assassination in 1948 had a profound impact on Colombian history. Gaitán was a charismatic figure known for his advocacy for social justice and reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Colombians. His assassination in Bogotá sparked the Bogotazo riots the 9th of April of 1948, leading to a period of political turmoil known as "La Violencia."
The close proximity of Barrio Egipto to La Candelaria not only underscores its historical roots but also highlights its role in Colombian political history. Visitors exploring La Candelaria can easily venture into Barrio Egipto to learn about Gaitán's early life and the neighborhood's transformation from a troubled area to a community striving for positive change through initiatives like Breaking Borders. This proximity allows for a deeper understanding of Bogotá's cultural and historical tapestry, blending past struggles with present-day resilience and hope.
Era of Conflict and Crime
From the 1970s to the early 2000s, Barrio Egipto became notorious for its high crime rates and gang-related violence. The absence of government support and economic opportunities led to the rise of criminal activities, including drug trafficking and territorial disputes between gangs. This period was marked by frequent violence, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Bogotá. The conflict between rival gangs caused numerous casualties, with many victims being young people.
Breaking Borders - A community tourism project
Breaking Borders is a community tourism project initiated in Barrio Egipto, one of Bogotá's most dangerous areas. This neighborhood was abandoned by the government for a long time, creating a perfect environment for criminal activity. Drug trafficking and illegal businesses led to violent gang fights for control over the territory.
Jaime and his friends, the founders of Breaking Borders, grew up in the middle of this conflict. Between 1990 and 2002, the fight for control in Barrio Egipto caused around 1,200 deaths, mostly juveniles aged 12 to 18. In Jaime’s family, only 4 of 11 children survived the conflict. Motivated by the desire to create a better future for the next generation and break the cycle of violence that claimed hundreds of lives, Jaime's family and other local leaders like Harold or Monkey initiated a project. This project offers personal tours of their own lifes, where they open up to strangers, sharing their profound beliefs and stories of transformation to overcome deeply painful and regrettable situations.
Supported by the Universidad Externado de Colombia, the closest educational institution to the barrio, it witnessed firsthand the significant dangers and transformation towards peace in the area, where many students fell victim to robberies. The students and staff were deeply intertwined with the barrio, often walking its streets and frequently becoming targets of the criminal gangs operating there. The local guides contextualize their experiences through historical classes and receive assistance and support from the university and local travel agencies like Impulse Travel that believe in projects such as Breaking Borders to transform lives with the power of traveling, which has been the private organization supporting the most this project involving the leaders of it in their Non-Profit Organization Collective by Impulse and bringing local leaders of many different areas of the country into a leaders collective called "Change Leaders".
Jaime Showing Visitors Around in Barrio Egipto
On the tours, you can experience the positive changes of this social impact graffiti tour firsthand. Visit the "Buena Semilla" foundation, which provides classes, breakfast, and lunch for neighborhood children. You'll also get a taste of the musical culture supported by the project’s funds.
Each stop on the tour is deeply connected to the guides' personal histories. Hearing about their childhoods spent on these streets will send shivers down your spine. Many lost their fathers, and their mothers worked tirelessly to feed the family, leaving the children alone all day. The district’s church, which once handed out food through a backdoor, now stands as a colorful reminder of these stories.
Backdoor of the church where they used to hand out food to the children
The street art in Barrio Egipto vividly depicts the neighborhood's development. One of the most impressive pieces is the “Image of Lost Youth,” showing the son of a former district leader who was killed by his father’s opponents. This artwork symbolizes the children’s suffering during the conflict.
“Image of lost youth” in Barrio Egipto
Experience Barrio Egipto’s culture by meeting its people. Besides Jaime and the other guides, you'll meet important community members, valued for their contributions rather than power or money.
One such person is Celina, an 86-year-old woman who has lived in Barrio Egipto for 60 years. Her friendly face is painted on a wall as a tribute to her care for injured men, women, and children during gang conflicts. Celina’s house, high in the hills, is a simple wooden cabin where she shares stories of the neighborhood and answers visitors' questions, always accompanied by community members who now take care of her as she once did for them.
A homage to some of the most valued members of Barrio Egipto
Today, Barrio Egipto is a symbol of resilience and community spirit. The neighborhood continues to evolve, with residents actively working towards a brighter future. The efforts of community leaders and organizations have led to improvements in infrastructure, education, and safety. The positive impact of community tourism has also contributed to changing perceptions and bringing hope to the residents.
From the moment Jaime picks you up for the tour to the goodbyes at the foot of the hills, his big smile, earning him the nickname “Calabazo” (pumpkin), contrasts with the stories you hear. By the time you leave Barrio Egipto, you will be inspired by how the community turned their lives around. Barrio Egipto's history is a testament to the strength and determination of its residents. From its early days as a workers' settlement to its transformation into a vibrant community, the neighborhood's journey has been shaped by both challenges and triumphs. Through initiatives like Breaking Borders, Barrio Egipto is redefining its future and becoming a model of community-led development and resilience in Bogotá.
Walking through Barrio Egipto, you’ll realize why the locals are so happy despite their difficult past – it’s because of you. By visiting, you become a valuable part of a bigger project. Jaime often thanks his visitors during the tour, crediting them for the improvements in the district, such as a football field, a workshop, and a roofed meeting place.
