Massive March Marks 53 Years Since Coup as Chileans Remember Dictatorship Victims

Thousands filled Santiago’s streets on Sunday for the traditional pilgrimage to the General Cemetery, marking 53 years since the 1973 coup and remembering those killed or persecuted during Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.

The march began near Los Héroes metro station and moved toward the northern part of the capital. Families, political activists and members of social organizations joined the procession, which prompted changes to traffic flows across the city.

The mobilization was promoted by members of Frente Amplio, the Communist Party and human rights organizations. Their destination was the memorial at the General Cemetery, where tribute ceremonies and cultural activities were scheduled.

The day’s program included artistic performances, offerings at the memorial and warnings against denial of the dictatorship, which lasted from 1973 to 1990.