Memorial Day in Argentina

Memorial Day in Argentina, known as Día de la Memoria por la Verdad y la Justicia (Day of Remembrance for Truth and Justice), is observed on March 24th. It is a public holiday dedicated to the memory of the victims of the last military dictatorship, which took place from 1976 to 1983.

History:

• March 24, 1976: A military coup overthrew Isabel Perón's government, marking the beginning of a brutal era characterized by widespread human rights abuses known as the "Dirty War."
• During this period, an estimated 30,000 people disappeared; they are referred to as "desaparecidos," victims of state terrorism who were abducted, tortured, and killed.
• The day was established by law in 2002 during President Eduardo Duhalde's term and reaffirmed in 2006 under President Néstor Kirchner.

Traditions:

• Vigils and Marches: Families of victims and human rights organizations gather for vigils and marches, especially at symbolic places like the Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires.
• Memory Sites: Visits are made to former detention centers turned into memory sites to honor those who lost their lives.
• Cultural Events: Concerts, art exhibitions, and educational events are organized to reflect on democracy and human rights.

Activities:

• People wear white scarves symbolizing the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo who bravely protested against the dictatorship demanding the return of their disappeared children.
• Many Argentines use the day for reflection and join activities promoting human rights awareness.
• Schools include lessons on recent history around this date to educate students about this dark chapter in Argentine history.