One of the things I enjoy most about living in another country (other than food) is a chance to learn about a place's history and politics first hand. It's one thing to read about Korea or Argentina in the newspapers, another to experience it by living there.
Last weekend my roommate, Silvina, suggested I come downtown with her to see the demonstration for Dia de la Memoria. I spent hours walking through the city alongside protesters and learning about a piece of Argentina's history. This is what I came to learn through seeing the events of the day and pestering Sil with questions:
March 24th is a national holiday that marks Dia de la Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia for victims of Guerra Sucia (Dirty War), a military coup in that lasted from 1978 to 1983. An estimated 30,000 Argentinians 'disappeared' during this time- students, union leaders, opposition politicians, journalists and many others were kidnapped and killed. There were also babies and young children (some estimate hundreds) who, after their parents were killed, were adopted by members of the military in power. These children are now in their 20s and 30s and the group 'Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo' has fought to make these young people aware of their true parentage and reunite them with their surviving family members.
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On Dia de la Mermoria, groups march to remember the atrocities of Guerra Sucia, but also it's a chance for many different political, student, and human rights groups to champion a variety causes. There were groups from every political faction you can think of-- as well as those marching for gay rights, women's issues, public education, Indigenous peoples organizations, and many more. All the main streets leading to the political center of downtown were packed with hundreds upon hundreds of people carrying banners, singing, chanting and marching to the beat of drums.
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Spectators
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In front of the iconic Obelisk
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Marching past the Cathedral
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Letting off red sparklers
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Signs reading, "36 years of the coup" plastering walls and concrete barriers downtown
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We yell, 'Never Again.'
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Posters with faces of 'the disappeared'
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Sign reads: 'Where is Julio Lopez? Human rights.'
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Protests up to Casa Rosada
We walked alongside the various demonstrations for several hours and escaped the crowds for a much needed cerveza once the sun began to set. Sil's friends wanted to know my impressions of the day and how it appeared from an outsider's perspective. I was impressed with how peaceful and well behaved the massive crowds were- a chance for everyone to show their support for a cause simultaneously, regardless of vast differences in opinion. It also helped me understand a small portion of history of the place I call home for the moment.
Also, I got totally overly excited about this--
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Love from,
Kerk
Last weekend my roommate, Silvina, suggested I come downtown with her to see the demonstration for Dia de la Memoria. I spent hours walking through the city alongside protesters and learning about a piece of Argentina's history. This is what I came to learn through seeing the events of the day and pestering Sil with questions:
March 24th is a national holiday that marks Dia de la Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia for victims of Guerra Sucia (Dirty War), a military coup in that lasted from 1978 to 1983. An estimated 30,000 Argentinians 'disappeared' during this time- students, union leaders, opposition politicians, journalists and many others were kidnapped and killed. There were also babies and young children (some estimate hundreds) who, after their parents were killed, were adopted by members of the military in power. These children are now in their 20s and 30s and the group 'Mothers and Grandmothers of Plaza de Mayo' has fought to make these young people aware of their true parentage and reunite them with their surviving family members.
This white kerchief is the symbol of 'Madres de la Plaza de Mayo.' I took this picture in Plaza de Mayo itself, which is across from the President's residence, Casa Rosada. Sil told me that the groups has been marching here in memory of their missing family members once a week -- every week -- for the last 35 years.
On Dia de la Mermoria, groups march to remember the atrocities of Guerra Sucia, but also it's a chance for many different political, student, and human rights groups to champion a variety causes. There were groups from every political faction you can think of-- as well as those marching for gay rights, women's issues, public education, Indigenous peoples organizations, and many more. All the main streets leading to the political center of downtown were packed with hundreds upon hundreds of people carrying banners, singing, chanting and marching to the beat of drums.
Anti-terrorist law.
While the overall feeling of the crowd was upbeat and festival-like-- friends sipping mate, groups cheering their slogans, dance performances, food and drink vendors-- you could never forget the serious underlying tone of the day.
We yell, 'Never Again.'
We walked alongside the various demonstrations for several hours and escaped the crowds for a much needed cerveza once the sun began to set. Sil's friends wanted to know my impressions of the day and how it appeared from an outsider's perspective. I was impressed with how peaceful and well behaved the massive crowds were- a chance for everyone to show their support for a cause simultaneously, regardless of vast differences in opinion. It also helped me understand a small portion of history of the place I call home for the moment.
Also, I got totally overly excited about this--
Wait, wait-- enough young Armenians in one place to form political groups? And more than one? How cool is that?! (This comment makes it painfully obvious I was raised in the Midwest doesn't it?)
Love from,
Kerk