That cobblestone street, the same one we walked during the Bogotá Halloween night tour, sloping downhill, that carries you along… The streets are alive and, although there’s almost never anyone there, you can’t shake the feeling that someone is always with you.
An Unexpected Encounter in La Candelaria
Someone like that man in the black trench coat who greeted you at the entrance of that old house… or was it just your imagination, tricked by the excitement of that special spooky experience in La Candelaria?
The Church of Our Lady of Carmen, Bolívar Square, the Presidential Palace, the Chorro de Quevedo… you always walk down that street when heading from your home to any of these places. You make your way downhill along that cobblestone path. It leads you to the corner of the old colonial house, the one with the green wooden balcony that always fills you with intrigue.
Yes, the one next to the Camarín del Carmen… and the mysterious man in the black trench coat who appeared and vanished that day during one of those tours. Along with the stories of the catacombs beneath the neo-Gothic Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen, he has stayed in your mind. It was, without a doubt, a moment that still reminds you of the atmosphere of a true Bogotá Halloween night tour.
Streets That Keep Secrets
It’s in the streets of La Candelaria where you are never —and will never be— alone. In fact, even though you’re always a little nervous, you enjoy walking through them. It’s funny and ironic: whenever you pass by with visitors, you tell them about the pink-and-white church that reminds you of a candy cane. You like to make that joke to lighten the mood, and then fill them with stories about the church, Bolívar Square, the Presidential Palace, the Chorro de Quevedo. That way, the atmosphere eases for both them and yourself.
But few know about the fright you got passing by at seven in the evening. You weren’t even alone: you were on that special Halloween tour. By the green door with iron bars, at Calle Novena #4-93, that man was standing there when you passed with a group of tourists. You greeted him, looked at the tourists, and then invited them to look at the door of that majestic 17th-century building. Finally, you were surprised to see that the figure was no longer there.
You said nothing — however, it could have been your imagination. Besides, in La Candelaria, strange things always happen.
The Memory That Never Fades
But since then, every time you pass by that spot… you walk a little faster.
By Fredy Calderón
If you want to experience it yourself, join us on our night walking tour through Bogotá’s old town. And if you’re looking for a broader adventure, explore the Bogotá Full City Tour: Panorama, Food & Culture.
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