In 2016, Colombia’s oldest and largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), signed a peace treaty with the government, marking an end to decades of armed conflict. For many former combatants, the real fight began once the guns were silenced: rebuilding civilian lives, finding purpose and community.
In Bogotá’s House of Peace, or La Casa de la Paz, a unique experiment is underway. Former guerrillas, many of them women, have swapped their uniforms for aprons, immersing themselves in the art and science of craft brewing. Guided by local entrepreneurs and peacebuilders, they master recipes, fermentation techniques, and business skills.
More than just a brewery, La Casa de la Paz is a vibrant hub for dialogue, solidarity, and economic reintegration. Each pint offers a taste of Colombia’s rich biodiversity, infused with local ingredients and stories of resilience. Revenue from beer sales fuels education initiatives and community projects in regions hardest hit by the conflict.
As the nation forges a path forward, initiatives like this highlight the power of creative solutions in peacebuilding. Brewing peace, one beer at a time, these former combatants are rewriting their chapters and offering a hopeful toast to Colombia’s future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
