When I arrived in BA, my first Thursday was spent at the Plaza de Mayo observing the Madres and filming the ronda and the speeches. I noticed that there were two groups, one group had a stand selling some goods, a Mercedes bus for transport, banners, flags and much more while the other group followed separately with signs of their ‘disappeared’ loved ones- they were not as loud nor did they have as many followers. Both groups though, had the white handkerchiefs on and both had signs indicating that they were the ‘Madres’. There were some difference as well which didn’t become clear until I attended my first tea with Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, Linea Fundadora on December 12 after my last Thursday march.
A little bit of background: During my stay hear in BA, I have spent several hours even days trying to access the ‘Madres’ with little success – from emails, phone calls, to hunting down addresses. One day I was so proud of myself because I came across the office of the Asociación de las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo off of Congreso- under the sign that read “REVOLUCIONARIO”. I decided to walk in and see if I could talk with anyone. It was a strange environment – a cafe/bar with images of Che Guevara, Evita and pictures of Mothers plastered the walls. Further in there was a book shop selling all sorts of communist literature. I made my way upstairs to find some offices and a library. I asked the librarian who I could speak to for some information. He sent me next door to the press department where I met a young man who was very welcoming. He listened to my story, gave me his card, and assured me an interview. I was beside myself! I had made a breakthrough…. Or not. I emailed and called the gentleman several times only to be told that he would get back to me when he had a confirmation. I never received any confirmation. This was October. I was quite disappointed but I continued with my research and filming.
Fast forward to December 5, the Marcha de la Resistencia! I had seen pictures of these annual marches and knew that they took place around December 10. I also figured that this being the 30th anniversary of democracy, there had to be a pretty big event. However, depending on who I asked, there was conflicting information: some said, no, there is no Marcha, others said, of course there will be a Marcha…. So, you can imagine my confusion. On December 4th I checked all my websites to see if anything was posted and found out that indeed there would be a Marcha de la Resistencia sponsored by the Madres de la Plaza – Linea Fundadora, H.I.J.O.S, Hermanos, Abuelas and a couple of others. I also read that “the banner” (with the faces of the disappeared) will be paraded… All events began at 3. Being accustomed to Argentinian time by now, I decided to make my way to the Plaza at around 5-arriving at around 5:30- and sure enough, people and stage were in place for a Marcha de la Resistencia. I noticed that the Associación de las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo were not there yet but the Linea Fundadora had already began the march around the plaza. The Asociación de las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo arrived a little after the usual time, they completed one round of the Plaza, made a little speech to say they were not participating in the Marcha to show solidarity for Kristina, and they loaded up the Mercedes buses and left. Meanwhile, the other mothers continued with their march announcing all the names of the disappeared- 30,000 of them!
My new friend Mimi (the sister of Hilda – a disappeared) saw me and introduced me to a friend of hers, José Luis. José is a movie maker from Madrid who was here in Buenos Aires filming and documenting the group of Spaniards who were giving testimony against the Franco Regime at the international court. She had spoken to José about me and he had wanted to meet me and interview me for his film… quiet exciting!
After the interview, I continued taking pictures and my eyes fell on a short little lady and her friend who seemed to be looking for someone. They both had on their white handkerchiefs on and held their signs of their disappeared loved ones around their necks. One of them approached me and asked if I was Spanish. We talked for a little bit and exchanged stories and phone numbers. She wanted me to send a picture of her with her sign to her cousin in Gloucester, MA but I needed to call her to get his address. I called her the next day and it was is if we were old friends. She wanted to see me again before the holidays. We made plans. Her name is Adelina- her brother worked at ESMA during the last dictatorship. He tried to speak to the press about what he had seen. He disappeared shortly after he contacted the press.
Old Lyme to Buenos Aires 