The Cemetery of Tulcán, officially named "José María Azael Franco Guerrero" in 2005. Recognized by local and foreign inhabitants, as a modern marvel. This "Sculpture in green" is unique in its kind, was created by Mr. Azael Franco in 1936. Carved in cypress these wonders turn the holy field into a palace where harmoniously combine art and beauty, and lead to a unique show worthy of be appreciated by tourists.
It has been called "Sculpture in Green" and there are no similar achievements anywhere else in the world.
Extension.
When arriving at Tulcán, the visitor can not ignore the general cemetery, embellished by eight hectares that comprise 120 figures that adorn this Pantheon, which is one of the most representative beauties in Latin America.
After the earthquake that occurred in 1923, the city underwent an urban redesign, in those days the new Cemetery began to operate with colorful mausoleums located on the sides of the entrance.
In 1936 Don José María Azaél Franco plants the first cypresses that years later would become the largest inheritance left to the city of Tulcán.
The characteristic that makes this cemetery unique are its impressive figures carved in cypress; Augustinian figures, pre-Columbian, Ecuadorian fauna, semicircular arches, pylons and giant masks.
This type of art granted to José María Azaél Franco Cemetery, on May 28, 1984 the recognition of: State Cultural Heritage, and Natural site of tourist interest.
The first figure made by Azaél Franco is called "Camino al Cielo" and is located in the left front of the place.
The position of the gardens has allowed the division of the internal parks by name as follows: the first part upon entering the holy field is called "Altar de Dios (1936)" and the rear equally formed by two lateral gardens is called "Parque de the Memories (1987) ".
In 1985, after the death of the Carchen artist José María Azaél Franco, the responsibility of continuing with the work rests with Benigno Franco Carranco, son of the author, who is in charge of maintaining the garden known as "Altar de Dios".
In 1987, the creation of a new sector took place, for which the back of the cemetery was exhumed. Until that year it had been conceived as any other cemetery with stacked tombs and without any aesthetics.
Three years after planting the first cypresses began to shape this garden called Parque de los Recuerdos, here you can see figures of the Tolita culture, religious images, monkeys, penguins, as well as pre-Columbian ceremonial vessels.
The author of this garden is the tulcaneño Lucio Reina, who is responsible for the maintenance and creation of this section.
History of José María Azaél Franco.
He was born in El Ángel, Province of Carchi, on May 5, 1899. He practiced the cultivation of plants with Don José Félix Galárraga, Agronomist specialized in the United States of North America.
His first job was started in El Angel Park following a call from Elías Cadena Urresta, President of the Municipal Council of Espejo. In 1936 he was appointed head of parks in the city of Tulcán by Commander Federico Guerrón, President of the Municipal Council of Tulcán.
His art was valued in other cities of Ecuador, being requested to do gardening work in the parks of Quito, Central University of Ecuador, and in the agricultural colleges of Ambato Latacunga and El Ángel.
Thanks to publications made by prestigious media worldwide, such as El Comercio, El Tiempo, El Telégrafo, El Universo in Ecuador, El Diario, El Tiempo, El País, Bogotá Colombia; El Sol and El Nacional de Caracas Venezuela; Seven Days of Argentina, "Life" in Spanish of USA, Mink of Mexico, this work was released in several countries worldwide.
With the passing of time and after several years of dedication to this self-sacrificing activity, Don José María Ásale Franco Guerrero died in 1985. His son, Lcdo. Benigno Franco Carranco, was in charge of continuing with this work of art "Sculpture in Green", thanks to the knowledge and wise teachings he inherited from his father.