Mexico City Removes Castro and Guevara Monuments

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Mexico Grapples with legacy: From Columbus to Castro-Guevara, Statues Spark Fierce Debate

Mexico City finds itself at the center of a heated cultural and political reckoning, as the removal of public monuments dedicated to controversial ancient figures ignites passionate debate across the nation. The recent dismantling of a bench honoring Cuban revolutionaries Fidel Castro and Che Guevara echoes a much larger,and still resonating,controversy surrounding the long-standing monument to Christopher Columbus.

For over a century, a towering bronze effigy of Columbus stood proudly on a pedestal along the prestigious Paseo de la Reforma, a potent symbol of conquest and exploration. Though, for years, Indigenous activists and their allies staged persistent protests, denouncing Columbus and his fellow “Conquerors” as perpetrators of genocide. In 2020, then-Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum ordered the statue’s removal for renovations, a move that permanently altered the iconic avenue’s landscape. The monument has yet to be returned,fueling outrage among those who saw it as a significant historical marker and eliciting accusations that Sheinbaum yielded to “political correctness.”

The site where Columbus once dominated has since been transformed into the “Women Who Fight” roundabout, a vibrant hub for Indigenous, feminist, and othre social justice movements. Simultaneously occurring,the grand Columbus figure remains out of public view,stored away in a museum.More recently, the removal of a less imposing, yet equally symbolic, monument – a bench dedicated to Fidel Castro and Che Guevara – has reignited old ideological battles and dominated social media discourse. While modest in comparison to the Columbus statue, its disappearance has proven to be a potent catalyst for discussion.

Critics condemned the action as “ideological censorship” and an attempt to “erase the symbols of battle, of resistance, of Mexican-Cuban humanity,” as expressed by left-wing journalist César Huerta on X. Conversely, others celebrated the removal. Radio commentator José Luis Trueba Lara, for instance, dismissed Guevara as “an assassin with good press” and Castro as a “bloodcurdling dictator.” Columnist Carlos Bravo Regidor lamented the left’s perceived prioritization of “miserable statues of Fidel and the Che” over the plight of those suffering under the Cuban dictatorship.The history behind the bench points to a pivotal 1955 encounter in Mexico. A young Fidel Castro,recently released from prison for an insurgent attack against the US-backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista,met a similarly revolutionary-minded Che Guevara. Guevara, a physician from Argentina, harbored a vision of a pan-Latin American socialist union free from American “imperialism.” Their shared ideals forged a lifelong friendship and collaboration, culminating in their participation in the 1956 expedition aboard the yacht Granma from Mexico’s coast, which ultimately lead to the overthrow of Batista and the establishment of a communist government in Cuba in 1959.

Though Fidel and Che are long deceased and the Cold War officially concluded decades ago, the recent controversies surrounding these public monuments underscore a persistent reality: the ideological fault lines forged during that era remain starkly visible, particularly in Latin America. The debate over a simple bench serves as a powerful reminder that the legacy of historical figures, and the symbols that represent them, continue to be a source of profound contention and reflection.

What were the primary arguments used by Mayor Pérez to justify the removal of the Castro and Guevara monuments?

The Decision and Immediate Aftermath

On July 20th,2025,Mexico City officials initiated the removal of monuments dedicated to Cuban revolutionary figures Fidel Castro and Argentine Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara.The action, spearheaded by Mayor Olivia Pérez, marks a significant shift in the city’s public space narrative and has ignited both support and controversy. The removal occurred overnight, with both statues taken down from their prominent locations along Paseo de la Reforma, a major thoroughfare in the city.

The decision stems from a growing wave of criticism regarding the continued honoring of figures associated with authoritarian regimes. Mayor Pérez stated the removal was a response to public sentiment and a commitment to aligning the city’s public spaces with democratic values. This move follows months of debate and petitions calling for the removal of the statues, particularly from groups representing Cuban exiles and victims of political repression in Latin America.

Ancient Context of the Monuments

The monuments themselves were erected during periods of heightened solidarity with leftist revolutionary movements in Latin America.

Fidel Castro Monument: Installed in 1998, the statue was a gift from the Cuban government and symbolized the strong diplomatic ties between Cuba and Mexico City at the time. It became a focal point for pro-cuba demonstrations and a source of contention for anti-Castro activists.

Che Guevara Monument: Erected in 2004, the Guevara statue was initially intended as a temporary installation but remained in place for over two decades. it represented Guevara’s perceived role as a champion of the oppressed and a symbol of anti-imperialism.

The presence of these monuments has long been a point of contention, particularly as Mexico’s political landscape has evolved and its relationship with Cuba has become more complex. The debate intensified in recent years with increased scrutiny of the human rights records of both Castro and Guevara.

Public Reaction and Political Fallout

the removal of the monuments has triggered a polarized response. Supporters of the decision hail it as a necesary step towards acknowledging the victims of communist regimes and reaffirming Mexico City’s commitment to human rights. They argue that public spaces should not glorify figures responsible for political repression and violence.

Opponents, though, condemn the removal as an act of historical revisionism and a betrayal of Mexico’s tradition of political asylum and solidarity with revolutionary movements. They argue that Castro and Guevara remain symbols of resistance against imperialism and injustice for manny in Latin America.

Protests: Small-scale protests were held by both supporters and opponents of the removal on July 21st, 2025, with police maintaining a visible presence to prevent clashes.

Political Statements: Opposition parties have criticized Mayor Pérez’s decision, accusing her of pandering to conservative elements and undermining Mexico’s foreign policy principles. Several leftist politicians have expressed outrage, calling for the reinstatement of the monuments.

Social Media Response: The hashtag #MexicoCityMonuments trended on social media platforms,with users expressing a wide range of opinions on the issue.

The Future of the Statues and Public Space in Mexico City

The fate of the removed statues remains uncertain.City officials have indicated that they will be relocated to a historical museum, where they can be displayed with contextual information about the controversial legacies of Castro and Guevara. This approach aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of these figures and their impact on latin American history.

This event raises broader questions about the role of monuments in public spaces and the ongoing debate over how to represent a complex and often contested past. Mexico City’s decision may set a precedent for other cities in Latin America grappling with similar issues. The city is now considering a public consultation process to determine how to best utilize the spaces formerly occupied by the monuments, with proposals ranging from the installation of new artworks celebrating Mexican history and culture to the creation of memorial gardens honoring victims of political violence.

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