Background on Petare and its History of Violence
Petare is one of the largest informal settlements in Latin America, with approximately 600,000 residents. In the past, several sectors of Petare were controlled by a criminal gang led by Wilexis. However, after Wilexis was killed in January of the previous year, the situation began to change.
Yelitza Rojas, a local resident, expressed her joy at seeing cyclists speed down the hill in front of her house. She recounted how life has improved since Wilexis’ death, stating that people no longer need to hide from the violence.
Decline in Violence and Rise of Downhill Cycling
Caracas was once one of the most violent cities in the world, but it has experienced a significant decrease in homicide rates over the past few years. According to the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence (OVV), an independent NGO, the homicide rate dropped from 91.8 to 26.8 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2016 and 2023.
The government reported a homicide rate of 5.2 in 2023 and claimed that burglaries decreased by 33%. In 2024, the rate further dropped to 4.1. Although there are no public data on the impact of Wilexis’ downfall, residents of Petare perceive a sense of calm that extends beyond the numbers.
“The Good and the Beautiful”
The downhill cycling competition course spans 1.4 km, featuring earthen and wooden ramps. Volunteers sound warning signals as cyclists navigate the treacherous barriada at high speeds.
Miguel Díaz, a six-time national champion in this discipline, was cheered on by neighbors as he descended a set of patriotic stairs. Díaz, who helped construct the course, expressed his satisfaction with the event and the community’s warm welcome.
Díaz hopes that similar competitions will spread to other neighborhoods in Caracas, which have transformed from being inaccessible and violent to hosting events, competitions, and even tourism packages.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Miguel Díaz? Miguel Díaz is a six-time national champion in downhill cycling, who played a key role in organizing the competition and constructing the course.
- What is the significance of the downhill cycling competition in Petare? The event aims to showcase the positive developments happening in Petare and challenge the narrative that it remains a dangerous area.
- How has violence in Caracas changed over the years? Caracas has seen a substantial decrease in homicide rates, with the OVV reporting a drop from 91.8 to 26.8 per 100,000 inhabitants between 2016 and 2023. The government reported a homicide rate of 5.2 in 2023 and claimed that burglaries decreased by 33%. In 2024, the rate further dropped to 4.1.
