11 de Octubre

When I say "11 de octubre" (October 11) in Spanish, I think it sounds a little menacing. Since in many countries the 12th of October celebrates the beginning of the processes of colonization of the Americas, the 11th of October represents the final day of cultural freedom for indigenous peoples, and those Africans who arrived here through the slave trade.

This past 11 de Octubre, I attended a parade held on the main avenue, 18 de Julio, here in Montevideo. The event was organized by Mundo Afro, and was open to anyone who wanted to participate. One mass ensemble of drummers and dancers; a show of the drum's resistance to the processes of colonization, and at the same time, it's power to bring people together. The slogan sent out on Mundo Afro flyers read:

NO MÁS RACISMO

LOS TAMBORES LLAMAN POR EQUIDAD

NO MORE RACISM

THE DRUMS CALL FOR EQUALITY

Meanwhile, on Isla de Flores, just a few blocks on away from where the mass cuerda was being organized, another event was taking place. A mini-llamadas, representing the same cause. Even back on that day, I felt the two events serving the same purpose, yet set in opposition of one another was strange, revealing the polarizing effect politics bring to a cause. In either case, what could have been an amazing display of unity, only revealed fractures within a community and culture.