La Trocha – Casa de la Paz is a place of collective memory, economic participation and lived reconciliation. Following the Colombian peace agreement of 2016, a project was launched in 2019 that combines the economic reintegration of former combatants through the production of craft beer with cultural and social activities.
Since 2021, the project has had a permanent location in Bogotá, which serves as a production facility, meeting centre and showcase for local products.
The name La Trocha means «narrow path» and refers to the path from armed struggle to peace. Eight people are directly employed, including four signatories to the peace agreement and four civilians. Cooperation now extends to over 100 local producers, including victims of the conflict, indigenous communities and grassroots initiatives. Products such as clothing, handicrafts and food are sold in the house, strengthening a growing network of mutual support.
The Casa de la Paz regularly hosts discussion groups, book presentations, film screenings, concerts and workshops to promote a culture of peace. In the memorial room «Salón Mariposas», hundreds of hanging butterflies commemorate over 300 former combatants who were murdered after the peace agreement — a poignant reminder of the fragility of the peace process.
Sustainability and self-determination are central principles: Waste is disposed of by an association of professional recyclers and the building‘s energy supply is gradually being supplemented by solar collectors. External partners such as Colombian universities, the national training institute SENA and a brewery in Bogotá have contributed technical expertise.
La Trocha – Casa de la Paz has quickly become an outstanding example of successful grassroots peace work. Its strength lies in combining political, social, cultural and economic elements. Here, peace is not administered, but actively shaped – by people who were directly affected by the conflict. They are taking their destiny into their own hands, creating spaces of trust and building a new coexistence – against much resistance and with impressive perseverance.
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