Memory and Resistance in Chile: A Photo Portfolio

The following photographs were taken by Chilean artist René Castro when he returned to his homeland in 1988, after eighteen years of exile. That was the year of the national plebiscite where the majority of Chileans voted for Pinochet not to continue in power. As a gesture of "reconciliation," Pinochet allowed Salvador Allende's funeral to take place, fifteen years after his death during the 1973 coup. These images bear witness to the emotional outpouring of the Chilean people, who were finally seeing a way out of Pinochet's repressive dictatorship.

Allende's body was exhumed and placed in a new casket for the ceremony.

Allende's supporters. The woman to the right could have faced death for displaying that flag during the height of Pinochet's regime.

Memorial service in Santiago's Cathedral. To the extreme right, Allende's widow, Hortensia Bussio. Next to her, Allende's daughter and grandchildren.

From right to left, Mrs. Mitterrand, future president Patricio Aylwin and his wife.

Demonstration during the funeral.

Omnipresent forces of repression, known as carabineros in Chile.

"Truth sprouts anew from the earth!"

Dancing with the dead, hoping for justice.