In a ceremony marking Lima's 490th anniversary, the statue of Francisco Pizarro was reinstated, igniting a fierce national debate over historical memory and the impacts of colonialism.
Controversial Statue of Francisco Pizarro Returns to Lima Amidst Protests
Controversial Statue of Francisco Pizarro Returns to Lima Amidst Protests
The reinstallation of the Spanish conquistador's statue sparks debate over historical legacy and indigenous rights in Peru.
In a poignant ceremony celebrating the 490th anniversary of Lima's founding, the statue of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro was reinstalled in the heart of Peru's capital, stirring controversy and protests among local communities. This monumental figure, which had faced removal two decades ago, stands as a stark symbol of colonial history and its ongoing implications for contemporary society.
Pizarro, the figure responsible for the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in 1535, is both celebrated and reviled. His supporters argue that the monument reflects an essential part of Peru's history that should not be erased, while indigenous leaders and activists condemn him as a representation of colonial violence and cultural destruction.
Originally sculpted by American artist Charles Rumsey, the statue was initially erected to commemorate the fourth centenary of Lima in 1935. However, it fell into neglect after being relocated to a park outside the city's main area in 2003, where it suffered damage due to nearby train activity. Recent restoration efforts gained momentum, culminating in the statue's return.
At the unveiling event in Plaza de Armas on Saturday, Lima's mayor, Rafael López Aliaga, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, were present alongside descendants of Pizarro. Díaz Ayuso described the occasion as a celebration of the city’s foundational history, highlighting its global transformative impact.
However, the statue's return was met with significant opposition, including protests from dozens of Peruvians who view its reinstatement as a direct affront to indigenous communities. With chants of "this is an offense to all indigenous peoples of Peru," the demonstrators voiced their resistance against the glorification of colonial figures and the historical narratives they perpetuate.
As Lima embraces its past this anniversary, the reactions to Pizarro's statue encapsulate the ongoing struggle with historical memory and identity in a nation still wrestling with the consequences of its colonial legacy.
