Che Guevara Statue in Rosario, Argentina

A Bronze Cast from 75000 Donated Keys Honors the South American Hero

Jul 5, 2008

Is Che's statue a homage or a way of attracting tourists to Rosario - where Hostel Guevara recently opened its doors, conveniently located across Che's house of birth.

While statues of the bearded icon were erected in Cuba, Bolivia and other countries, Argentina – his country of birth – remained silent. Until today. On June 14, 2008 a towering statue of Ernesto 'Che' Guevara was inaugurated in Rosario, his hometown. A homage, cast from pieces of bronze donated by thousands of people.

The Che Guevara Statue in Rosario – Donations With a Story

On the plaza already carrying Che Guevara's name, stands the four metres tall, with a weight of almost three tons, bronze replica of "el Che" – depicted in his combat fatigues and characteristic beret. Thousands of people donated some 75,000 pieces of bronze to Andrés Zerneri, the Argentinean sculptor of the effigy. Old candlesticks, padlocks, decorative objects and even relics were sent from all over the world – like the bronze keys of houses abandoned by Argentineans who fled the military dictatorship that ruled Argentina in the '70s.

While in the course of time their lives have returned to normal, the keys remained an important token of the past. The monument of Che Guevara provided them with the right opportunity to give the key a new place: it was melted and became part of the "new" Che. Che Guevara's statue is filled with memories of its donors and thus became truly a people's statue.

Che Guevara Merchandising in Argentina

Like in the rest of the world, Che Guevara is merchandised in Argentina – he appears on billboards, t-shirts, hats and key chains. It looks like somebody in Rosario has picked up the scent of commercialising the revolutionary hero. Since a few weeks it is possible to stay in "Hostel Guevara", a pleasant hangout for backpackers, which costs 25 pesos [8 US dollars] per night for sharing a dormitory with anywhere from four to eight people.

The location of Hostel Guevara is not coincidental: the hostel is situated across a Parisian-style apartment complex, which is Che Guevara's house of birth. From the first floor of the hostel it is possible to see exactly from which apartment his baby cries could be heard eighty years ago. It will be only a matter of time before the apartment will be bought by a fan or entrepreneur, and will be added to the collection of Che Guevara museums that can be found around the country.

Locations of Che Guevara's Statue, House of Birth, Hostel and Museumsin Rosario

Homage to Che Guevara in Argentina

At last Che Guevara seems to have found its recognition in Argentina. Is the erection of a Che Guevara Statue in Rosario indeed an act of honour, of another way of merchandising Che Guevara's name? In Rosario one can find a Che Guevara Plaza as well as Che Guevara's house of birth. A good way to learn more about Rosario and its historic buildings, is by following a walking tour.

The copyright of the article Che Guevara Statue in Rosario, Argentina in Argentina Travel is owned by Karin-Marijke Vis. Permission to republish Che Guevara Statue in Rosario, Argentina in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.