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Buenos Aires, Argentina > Buenos Aires attractions > Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo | The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo | The Mothers of the Plaza de MayoPlaza de Mayo
 With their signature white kerchiefs, the Madres de Plaza de Mayo are an unmistakable sight in Argentina's capital. Photo by Clare Nisbet. While it could be argued that a person or people cannot be considered an attraction, there is no doubt that Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayoare a “must see” of Buenos Aires. These courageous and diligent women (and men) are a living, breathing, fighting reminder of the atrocities of the military dictatorship that grasped Argentina from 1976 to 1983. During the years of the dictatorship, many oppositionist were murdered or “disappeared” and while exact numbers elude, estimates range to 40,000. On Thursday, April 30th, 1977, some mothers of young men who had disappeared congregated and marched in front of the Casa Rosada in the Plaza de Mayo to show their solidarity and demand answers. These women, many of who are now very old, along with family, friends, fathers, brothers, sisters, and supporters have congregated every Thursday since to continue their plight and finally find what became of their children during what is now known as La Guerra Sucia (The Dirty War). Every Thursday at 3:30pm, rain or shine, Las Madresgather in the center of the Plaza and continue their ongoing fight. Recognizable by their white kerchiefs, they gather and march with signs – patiently allowing tourists to photograph them and often talking about their lives, their missing children, and the future. During the recent 30 year anniversary of the Military Coup, Las Madreswere one of the most recognizable political voices on hand. They have vowed to continue to appeal to the government for answers. Many of the men and women of the group carry photographs and the experience of watching them march is sobering and a critical part of truly experiencing Argentina. Though tango fills the streets, the food is fine, and discos don’t stop until 6am, some of history’s wounds are still fresh. —Las Madres de la Plaza de Mayo | The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo review by Clare Nisbet
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