In brief
The reinstitution of Francisco Pizarro's statue in Lima coincides with the city's founding anniversary, igniting discussions about colonial legacy and indigenous rights.
The statue of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro has made its comeback in central Lima, Peru, over two decades after its removal. This unveiling aligned with the 490th anniversary of the city's founding, a date commemorating both triumph and turmoil. Pizarro, credited with establishing Lima in 1535 after defeating the Inca Empire, remains a polarizing figure; indigenous leaders condemn him as a mass murderer who decimated their culture, while supporters argue that understanding history is crucial and erasing it serves no purpose.Originally sculpted by Charles Rumsey and gifted for the city's fourth centenary in 1935, the statue showcases Pizarro on horseback, sword drawn. It was relocated in 2003 following public demand due to its controversial nature, landing in a park where it suffered damage from trains. Recently, Lima's mayor, Rafael López Aliaga, alongside Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, reintroduced the statue during a ceremony held in Plaza de Armas. While some celebrated the event as a moment of historical significance, dozens of protesters expressed their anger, claiming it offends indigenous communities both in Peru and beyond.
