The Dark History of Alborada: More Than Fireworks in Colombia
The beginning of the Christmas Season
The Christmas season officially started here in Colombia at midnight on November 30. However, people in my neighborhood have had the lights and decorations up for the past two weeks.
The town’s stores are full of toys and Christmas items, and traffic and tourists have increased.
The children have the entire month of December off for a holiday, and many people take vacation time. Those living in the cities rent a finca in the countryside or visit their families there.
The season has officially begun as lights and decorations take over the Pueblos square.
Alborada
The start of the season in Antioquia begins with Alborada. The tradition began in Medellin in 2003, and when midnight strikes, fireworks and music begin.
However, it did not start as a happy festival of lights and music; it began much darker and sinister at the hands of the drug lords.
The lead up to November 30, 2003.
In October 2002, Don Berna, the local crime boss in Medellin, led the Block Cacique Nutibara. Don Berna wanted to take back control of the northeastern barrios, which were full of guerillas and…
