In brief
The statue of Francisco Pizarro, the Spanish conquistador who founded Lima, was reinstalled more than two decades after its removal. The ceremony, attended by city leaders and Pizarro's descendants, was met with protests from Indigenous groups who condemn Pizarro's legacy.
A statue of the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro has made a controversial comeback to the center of Lima, marking a significant moment in Peruvian history amidst ongoing debates over colonial legacies. The unveiling took place during a ceremony celebrating the 490th anniversary of the city's founding, adding a historical weight to the event.Pizarro, who established Lima in 1535 after defeating the Inca Empire, is often viewed as a figure of conquest and controversy. Indigenous leaders argue that his actions led to mass destruction of their cultures, while supporters of the statue's return believe that history should not be erased, despite its painful chapters. The bronze monument, created by American sculptor Charles Rumsey, originally commemorated the city’s 400th anniversary in 1935 but was relocated in 2003 due to public outcry and concerns about its symbolism.Luis Bogdanovich, who managed the restoration of Lima's historic center, reported that the statue suffered damage from nearby train traffic, necessitating its move back to a more prominent location. The ceremony included remarks from Lima's mayor, Rafael López Aliaga, and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the president of Madrid’s Community, emphasizing the historical significance of Pizarro and the transformative encounter between cultures initiated by his arrival.As the statue was unveiled in Plaza de Armas, demonstrators gathered nearby, voicing their opposition. Protestors expressed deep frustration, denouncing the ceremony as an affront to Indigenous communities in Peru and beyond. "This is an offence, an offence to all the indigenous peoples of Peru, Latin America and the world," one participant stated, highlighting the growing tensions surrounding historical representation and memory in contemporary society.
