It’s been 36 years since the last military dictatorship that lasted between 1976 and 1983, killing more than 30,000 people and leaving many unexplained questions. This time period was called the Dirty War. Since 2006, March 24th has been considered a national holiday called the Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice, commemorating the day Isabel Perón was overthrown. Every year on this day, thousands take the streets of downtown Buenos Aires in memory of the victims and to demonstrate their own political views for reforming the government. The different political views sometimes contradicted themselves with protests in favor of communism, anarchy, socialism, peronism, and more.
Dozens of blocks were closed off for demonstrators. Everywhere from the Obelisco all the way to Casa Rosada with all of the major roads closed and covered with people and banners. Walking through thousands of people was difficult as we tried to push our way through 9 de Julio street and get to the capital building where the majority of the people were surrounding. An enormous stage, street food, children playing, chanting, drumming, fireworks, and red smoke took the atmosphere. I didn’t know what to look at first.
What was interesting was how controlled it actually was. I couldn’t spot a single cop anywhere near the action. They all seemed to be on the side street just chatting and laughing. The crowd itself was mostly calm besides the occasional chanting, drumming, and singing.
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