It seems as though every nation and culture has it's own set of numbers that carry immense symbolic weight. The Jews will always have 6,000,000. The United States now has 3,000. Argentina has 30,000. That is the number of those 'disappeared' in the hands of the Military Junta that ruled Argentina during some of its darkest times. It boggles the mind to hear that only in 1993 did this beautiful Country rise from the ashes of dictatorship. Those disappeared included dissenters of various political inclinations, as well as artists, teachers, and anyone else disliked by the regime. On March 24th of 1975, during the nadir of totalitarianism, a group of brave women who lost their loved ones decided to make a statement. They descended upon Plaza de Mayo, right outside of the presidential palace (the Pink House) with picures of their disappeared spouses, children, and loved ones, and demanded information.
The march yesterday, with the Plaza de Mayo and the Pink House in the background
This grassroot protest would become a popular movement, launching the Abuelas (grandmothers) as an international symbol of the struggle for human rights.
Yesterday was the 33rd anniversary of the first march. The event commenced with a masive march down the central boulevard, attended by ALL the major political parties, both right and left. Never have I ever seen participation in such an event by the entire political spectrum. The march was spearheaded by a dance troup of 50 white-clad ladies in snchronized movements towards the plaza, followed by a massive percusion-battery setting the pace.
Once the reached the plaza, the marcers stopped and the two groups (the dancers in wite and the drummers in red) created a long passage-way trugh the crowd, and greeted the Abuelas as they made their way to the stage.
Chanting was unanimous by the entire crowd of thousands, as people of the diverse interest grups united for this celebration of hope and vigil for the fallen.
The Abuelas on stage
Anarchists were arond, but nothing like the protests in Paris or Genoa. After the march, when the various flags descended upon the plaza, hours were spent singing, dancing, and revelling in this beautiful exhibitio of democracy and popular power. I find it hard to believe that such an event would take place in many other countries. Maybe it is because the memory here of totalitarianism is as still raw as an open wound. After all, the Abuelas are still here among us. Either way, Argentina deserves true applause for such a show, and it heartens me observe first hand how true change can be sparked by a few 'old ladies.'
The legacy of Che lives on in the country of his birth
Different interest groups participating in the march:
The Peronistas, Argentina´s right wing party
Unidentified masked anarchists, who peaceful yet aggressive.
The Socialist party
The group for indigenous rights. The flag is attached to a horn about 10 feet high.
A an association of Artists remembering those fallen
Grassroots protest
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