On April 28, 2021, one of the most powerful social movements Colombia has ever experienced began: the “Paro Nacional” (National Strike). My hometown, Cali, rapidly became the epicenter of the movement. I took to the streets like many others to join the protest, however I had a second intention, to document the demonstrations.
The people of Colombia filled the streets with color, singing, dances, and all kinds of artistic performances; in an explosion of creativity, they showed the world that they wanted a change.
These massive demonstrations brought together people from all backgrounds and all ages. However, the main driving force behind the movement was the country’s youth, tired of the corruption that was stealing their dreams.
What triggered the protests was the announcement of a tax reform proposed by the government of Iván Duque. This reform primarily affected the middle class, which would see its purchasing power further reduced, and also the most economically vulnerable groups, which actually make up for the majority of the Colombian population. On the other hand, this reform would have very little impact on the taxation of the wealthiest, who, despite representing only small part of Colombian society, concentrate the vast majority of the country’s capital.
It should also be noted that these events did not happen overnight; on the contrary, they are part of a continuum of popular protests that began in November 2019, against blatant corruption and other scandals of Iván Duque’s administration.
This early movement had been interrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic, which also played a significant role in the growth of the Colombian people’s discontent, as it further deepened inequalities and highlighted numerous irregularities, as well as a general disregard for the population’s wellbeing by the government.
Therefore, it was no surprise that the tax reform about to be imposed by the government, was met with widespread outrage from the public. Nevertheless, no one expected that the protesters would face such a violent repression from the state.
It cannot be denied that the demonstrations were accompanied from the start by looting of stores, destruction of monuments, government buildings, as well as banks and the public transportation network. However, it is important to keep in mind that these damages were caused by a minority of the protesters, most of whom were demonstrating peacefully.
The Colombian media focused on the material damages that occurred in various cities, while ignoring almost completely the massive peaceful demonstrations unfolding all around the country. Even worse, was the silence that followed the deaths of young demonstrators from the first day of protests.
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The Paro Nacional movement lasted until July 20 of the same year. It took a severe toll on Colombian society: it left around 80 dead and hundreds missing persons. Moreover, it left a deep and indelible psychological mark on all those who participated in the movement locally, and even on those who had to observe these events from a distance.
Cali, which is Colombia’s third-largest city, was the most affected by police violence and is now known as the “Capital of Resistance.” In this exhibition, you will find moments immortalized in fear and anguish, unity and solidarity, but above all, the resilience of a people united under the hope of building a better country.