Moravia: Urban Recovery and Capoeira

Description

Experience the transformative journey of Moravia Urban Recovery in Medellín, a captivating tour that takes you through the vibrant history, resilience, and cultural richness of one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods. Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel by our knowledgeable guide, who will accompany you on a scenic ride through the Medellín Metro to the Caribe station.

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly welcomed by a local tour leader, a Moravia native and co-founder of the neighborhood's community tourism project. After an insightful introduction to the neighborhood's history, you'll embark on a guided walk through El Morro, the area that was once an old garbage dump and has since been transformed into a thriving community space.

As you wander through El Morro, you'll discover the remarkable recovery process that has taken place and learn about the unique customs and innovative ways the residents have utilized the area. Along the way, you'll encounter a captivating permanent exhibition of old photographs from the municipal dump, providing a fascinating glimpse into the neighborhood's transformation and the resilience of its inhabitants.

Next, you'll visit the Moravia Greenhouse, a community-led project where local women cultivate and trade a variety of flowers and plants, including native orchids. After exploring the greenhouse, you'll have the opportunity to stop by a charming local store to enjoy a refreshing snack and meet various characters who play a significant role in the neighborhood's history.

Continuing on, you'll arrive at Moravia's bustling commercial area, where you'll discover a map of the neighborhood created by its residents. Here, you'll gain insight into the challenges and triumphs faced during the area's revitalization and urbanization efforts, hearing inspiring stories of resistance and territorial appropriation that have given cultural, social, and artistic meaning to the neighborhood.

Then you will walk to the Tropical Oasis, a small area of the neighborhood where urban art, community gardens and a cultural space will be waiting for you to live an exciting adventure that combines the environment with your body. There, you will be received by the leaders of Mangle, a community project that uses Capoeira, a martial art originating in Brazil, as a form of expression and catharsis for children and young people who have grown up in the midst of violence and poverty. You will live an experience to connect with your body and with others through songs, dance and joy.

Your tour concludes with a visit to the Moravia Cultural Center, a stunning architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Franco-Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona. This vibrant hub is a daily gathering place for hundreds of Moravia residents to engage in a wide range of artistic activities, including theater, photography, dance, and music.

Throughout the tour, you'll witness the captivating contrasts between revitalized buildings, parks, houses, and community spaces that come alive with the art and culture infused by its residents in every corner. Immerse yourself in the inspiring story of Moravia's urban recovery and discover the indomitable spirit of a community that has transformed adversity into opportunity, creativity, and cultural expression.