This day, according to Mixteca, Maya and Zapoteca tradition, we remember those who have passed on. Here is my graveyard of people who lived with gusto defending human rights, achieving civil rights, and protesting with their art. As is my tradition, I made these gravestones for the year’s muertitos (dearly departed) in time for Halloween.
First, I salute two women who dared to protest against a military dictatorship in Argentina (period called the “Dirty War” 1976-1983). They would gather with mothers and grandmothers in the Buenos Aires’ Plaza de mayo with photos of their beloved relative who had “disappeared” to speak out against the violence. Most “disappeared” were never found. The “Dirty War” was part of Operation Condor. Funding for Operation Condor to stamp out Marxism in Latin America came from the United States as part of Cold War politics.
Next, I tip my hat to Carmen Vázquez, Puerto Rican American LGBTQ+ activist. She spent her time on earth working to help other people; immigrants, refugees and the LGBTQ+ community. Carmen was the coordinator of Lesbian and Gay Health Services in San Francisco. She was also co-founder of Somos Hermanas (We are Sisters), a Central American women’s solidarity network.
Patricio Manns gave a very important musical contribution to Chile and to the world. He wrote anthems like “Arriba en la cordillera” (Up in the Mountains) and “El Sueño Americano” (The American Dream) that rallied Chileans during the difficult times of the Pinochet dictatorship. He was a founding member of Nueva canción, a musical group and social movement that became a Chilean cultural ambassador to the world during exile.
A key figure in the Bolivian indigenous movement, Felipe Quispe Huanca played a central role in getting Evo Morales elected, although he was disappointed that Morales did not place more focus on indigenous concerns in his governing. Felipe was part of the Pachakuti movement for Aymara-Quechua self-determination.
Last, but never least, Emiliano Zapata. A true revolutionary that has graced every art installation graveyard since our first party in 2003. Zapata died fighting for agrarian reform during the Mexican Revolution. In 1994, indigenous people of Chiapas continued the fight, calling themselves Zapatistas.
That’s Part I, the Latin American 6. The next 6 in Part II will be from three different continents!
¡Olé! –Rebecca
Fake Flamenco 
awesome to pay tribute to these wonderful people! ❤
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Thanks, Carol Anne. They are an inspiration to me.
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People who are an inspiration to us in our time of division and oppression. Thank you for the bringing them to our attention
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Thanks for your comments, Dad. I appreciate that you two taught us to learn world languages and appreciate other cultures.
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I love the way you honour these iconic figures. Dia de los Muertos seems such a meaningful celebration compared with the commercialised razzamatazz that Hallowe’en has become.
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Thanks, Margaret. I find it very meaningful. Yes, Halloween has become quite commercial. We still enjoy it because we have a young person who dresses up and trick or treats. (We make the costume).
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Rebecca, I salute your meaningful way of celebrating Dia de los Muertos!
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Thank you very much, Rosaliene! I enjoy learning about the lives of these great men and women.
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Bravo(a)
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Thank you Flower Roberts. I appreciate that!
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This is just an AMAZING post, Rebecca! What a wonderful way to tell about such important people. I love the fun of Halloween, but I think it would be a more thoughtful world if more people did this as well.
-Julie
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Julie, thanks so much for your sweet comments. I’m happy you liked the gravestones for 2021. I have a good time with this outdoor art installation each year.
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How wonderful to honour these people.
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Thank you, Darlene. I appreciate your comment. These dearly departed did so much to improve the world we live in.
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Wonderful tour of Latin American heroes!
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Thanks, Carolyn. So difficult to choose just a handful, when many are working for social and economic justice.
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