Plaza de los Desaparecidos: Paraguay’s Monument to the Disappeared
The Plaza de los Desaparecidos, or “Square of the Disappeared”, is a memorial in Paraguay dedicated to the thousands of people who were victims of the country’s dictatorship between 1954 and 1989. Located in Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, the plaza serves as a reminder of the horrors of the dictatorship, and a testament to the strength of the people who survived it.
History of the Plaza de los Desaparecidos
The Plaza de los Desaparecidos was built in 1999, as a memorial to the victims of the dictatorship of Alfredo Stroessner, who ruled Paraguay from 1954 to 1989. During his rule, thousands of people were arrested, tortured, and killed without trial or due process. Many of these people were never seen again, and their families were never given answers about their fate.
The plaza was built as a symbol of remembrance and justice for the victims of the dictatorship. It is located in the center of Asunción, and is surrounded by four walls that are engraved with the names of the disappeared. The plaza also features a large bronze statue of a woman, representing the mothers of the disappeared.
Amazing Facts about the Plaza de los Desaparecidos
The Plaza de los Desaparecidos is a powerful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Stroessner dictatorship. Here are some amazing facts about the plaza:
• The plaza was built in 1999, on the 10th anniversary of the end of the dictatorship.
• The walls of the plaza are engraved with the names of over 3,000 people who were disappeared during the dictatorship.
• The bronze statue of the woman in the plaza is meant to represent the mothers of the disappeared, who were often left without answers about their loved ones’ fate.
• The plaza is a popular tourist destination, and a symbol of Paraguay’s commitment to justice and remembrance.
Things to Do at the Plaza de los Desaparecidos
The Plaza de los Desaparecidos is a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Stroessner dictatorship, and a testament to the strength of the people who survived it. Here are some things to do at the plaza:
• Take a guided tour: Guided tours of the plaza are available, and are a great way to learn more about the history of the dictatorship and the people who were affected by it.
• Attend a memorial service: Memorial services are held at the plaza on the anniversary of the end of the dictatorship, as well as other important dates in Paraguayan history.
• Visit the nearby museum: The nearby Museum of Memory and Human Rights is a great place to learn more about the history of the dictatorship and its victims.
• Take part in a protest: The plaza is often the site of protests and demonstrations, and is a great place to show your support for the victims of the dictatorship.
The Plaza de los Desaparecidos is an important symbol of remembrance and justice in Paraguay. It serves as a reminder of the horrors of the dictatorship, and a testament to the strength of the people who survived it. Whether you take a guided tour, attend a memorial service, or take part in a protest, a visit to the plaza is sure to be a moving and meaningful experience.