Yesterday I ended up at the annual protests during the country’s public holiday commemorating the thousands that disappeared during the dictatorship. All these different leftist parties walk down Av. de Mayo, with thousands more looking on. There are so many people and parties this takes half a day.
As always at protests, I felt very moved. The communal emotion that is emitted from a mob is mind-blowingly strong. Almost like a physical field you can touch. And I couldn’t believe how many politically conscious passionate people had come out, young and old. As usual I felt frustrated that I couldn’t understand the speeches and slogans, but as I was still high from yesterday’s encouraging interaction, rather than being depressed I felt more determined than ever to become fluent in this language.
Political consciousness is much more part of the culture here in South America than it is in Australia. Little niggling thoughts of staying here for an extended period, getting my Spanish to the point where I can finally connect with the culture and people, and learn about the social revolutions in these countries, have begun to pop up in my brain.
Also, remember when I mentioned I don’t like taking pictures of hot guys face on when I’m walking the street? No such problem today as it looked like I was just taking photos of the crowd! Enjoy …
The one on the far left!
More pics from the protest after the jump:
Argentina is the birthplace of Che Guevara
