Ciudad Juárez, a Mexican city considered a no man's land because of its historic violence and drug war devastation that began in 2008, is making a comeback - in a peaceful and positive way, according to a report by The New York Times.
Once considered Mexico's murder capital, Ciudad Juarez was beleaguered by outward migration to avoid violence and death. Now, thousands are coming back and the city looks and feels more refreshed. The turnaround from violence is now visible, the report said.
"It's a different city," Mr. Lujana, 31, who left Juarez but decided to move back a few months ago, told the Times. "The drug dealers have receded; it's not cool anymore to be a narco."
Reports have also shown that the city's new atmosphere is giving life to businesses and social activities. New restaurants open weekly, while schools and homes in some of its neighborhoods are beginning to fill in once more. Teenagers stroll the streets at night without having to worry of getting shot at or getting caught in a cross fire.
"You can walk in the street now," said Jesus Rodriguez, 25, clearly amazed. "You have to be alert, but you can do it."
The shift from violence to peace that Juarez is experiencing remains unexplainable at the moment. Some say the police's aggressive detention policy may have curbed violence from the streets. Others argue that the worst killers have died of left the area. Another argues that the Sinaola drug cartel may have defeated its rivals leaving the city temporary, but brittle and superficial peace.
Two years ago, Juárez is not far for being considered a ghost town. It almost faded as businesses started to close shop because of high extortion rates.
"Everyone had to stay hidden, like rats," Cristina Cunningham, president of the restaurant association Juárez, told the Times.
Now, the city is gradually showing signs of life. Dance studios, home for sale, and new restaurants sprouted like mushrooms on Boulevard Gomez Martin. Cultural events like theater and the circus are in town and American tourists are visiting the city twice its number compared with last year.
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