Hangman’s Stick: recommendations for visiting the Tree of Life this Good Friday in Ciudad Bolívar

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Also known as the Hanged Man’s Stick, this sector is very popular with parishioners during the Via Crucis in Ciudad Bolívar – credit Johan Largo/Infobae

“The kingdom of God is within you and around you, not in buildings of wood and stone. Cut a piece of wood and I’ll be there. “Lift a stone and you will find me,” Jesus said to Thomas. In Colombia, as in various areas of the world, there are spaces that have been consecrated as saints; just as it happens in Bogotá, exactly in Ciudad Bolívar.

And to the south of the capital there is a small, but significant space, which since the 80s has attracted hundreds of believers to remember Good Friday and the Stations of the Cross: the Hanged Man’s Stick or the Tree of Life. According to data from the Capital District, the first legend about this tree body dates back to 1938, a time when the first settlers of Ciudad Bolívar barely knew the mountain and viewed that eucalyptus with strangeness.

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The historian Blanca Pineda pointed out that the former inhabitants of town 19 of Bogotá affirmed that the first hanged person was a woman, Ernestina, who took her comadre’s husband away from her to formalize a life with him, despite the fact that she was excommunicated by the church.

Leaving behind the symbolism of that passionate tragedy, in 1986 the tradition of commemorating the Via Crucis began in this sector, after the parishes of Candelaria La Nueva, El Tanque and Potosí agreed to have Palo del Ahorcado as their last station. .

As part of the tradition that transcends since the 80s, parishioners leave crosses with their name around the Tree of Life, as a symbol of faith and sacrifice. However, and as is common in Colombia, Good Friday also allows the community to get together and have a pot lunch and even eat chicha for thirst.

In 1986 the tradition of commemorating the Via Crucis began in this sector – credit Mayor’s Office of Bogotá

That is why, as part of the tradition of the Ciudad Bolívar community, the Local Mayor’s Office assigned a series of recommendations for all people who decide to attend the Palo del Ahorcado on Friday, March 29, 2024:

• Avoid participating in the company of children under 5 years of age and pets.
• Maintain good hydration, sunscreen and clothing that covers well.
• The consumption of alcoholic beverages and psychoactive substances is prohibited.
• Follow the recommendations of the organizers within the framework of the event.
• Avoid separating from the main mobilization.
• Do not throw any type of garbage during the procession or on the grounds of the Tree of Life.
• Inform the authorities of any risky or special situation.

In turn, the authorities have set up a Unified Command Post (PMU) in order to guarantee security in the area and those attending the religious and social meeting. For its part, the Mobility Secretariat will carry out a series of road closures, as a result of the celebration of the Viacrucis, in the following neighborhoods: Santa Viviana, Potosí, Caracolí and Arborizadora.

Regarding the services of the Comprehensive Public Transportation System (Sitp), among other vehicles that provide public service in those areas of Ciudad Bolívar, some adjustments will be made to their routes during the pilgrimage.

The journey through the 14 stations begins at 7:00 am – credit to the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá

If your Good Friday plans include attending the Via Crucis, keep in mind the 14 stations that will begin at 7:00 am:

• l Station: place Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria Parish (Carrera 35 con Calle 64)
• ll Station: place, 68c south street #41-5 to 41-1
• ll Station: place career 38 #69g sur-19 to 69g sur-49
• lV Station: 69D South Street – KR 39
• V Station: 69m south street #44a-2 to 44a-44
• VI Station: Carrera 42 #69n sur-45 to 69n sur-81
• Vll Station: Carrera 42 #71 sur-1 to 71 sur-69
• VIII Station: race 42 #72b sur-14 to 72b sur-10
• lX Station: Carrera 42 #73b sur-88 to 73b sur-2
• X Station: 75b south street #42 to 41
• XI Station: 78th street south #38-2 to 38-94
• XII Station: transversal 37 #79 south-3 to 79 south-67
• XII Station: transversal 37 #78b South-42 to 78b south-2
• XIV Station: Hangman’s Stick or Tree of Life.