100 Evitas on streets to mark 100th anniversary of birth
One hundred people dressed up as Evita Perón and paraded in the streets of the capital on Monday night, a day before the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Argentina’s most famous former first lady.
Eva María Duarte, who died in 1952 from cancer at age 33, was an actress who became the second wife of Juan Perón, the Army general who served as president for two different spans. Best known as “Evita,” she was
idolised as a “champion of the poor” and helped women obtain the right to vote.
The performers marched through the streets of Buenos Aires, starting at the Obelisk and continuing onto the Health and Social Development Ministry building on Avenida 9 de Julio that is decorated with a large cast-iron portrait of Evita. It was at that spot on August 22, 1951, that approximately two million people gathered to call for Evita to stand on the presidential ticket with her husband, who was seeking re-election.
Nine days later, Evita, ill with cancer and under pressure from the Armed Forces, declined her candidacy in a famous message broadcast across the nation on the radio.
All those marching last night wore costumes resembling Evita. Some wore her trademark top-knot hairstyle, while others donned ballroom dresses in homage to the combative first lady.
“We want to highlight the image of Eva Perón as a combative woman. As feminists, we believe in her struggle,” said Nora Elia Savio, an actress. “In her time, she fought for our rights.”
“Evita is a permanent inspiration, a beacon, a role model,” said Marina Chmielarczyk, 37.
Many of those marching had tied a green handkerchief – representing the call to legalise abortion – on their person, arguing that Evita would back that call if around today.
The protest also had a distinct anti-government feeling, with many criticising the Mauricio Macri administration.
“Evita is alive, in her thinking. Her thought is what represents me the most of Peronism,” said Silvia Lobo, a retired 54-year-old teacher.