Plaza Baquedano & General Baquedano Monument in Santiago

Plaza Baquedano at the centre of Santiago was traditionally the central meeting point for protests and celebrations in the Chilean capital. Since the outbreak of social protests in October 2019, the square and its monument became a central focal point. The protestors have tried to rename the square to Plaza Dignidad (Dignity Square) but are still waiting on the official decision of the Mayor. At its centre lies the monument to General Baquedano, a celebrated Chilean military and national hero, which has been a central focal point of the protests as it was painted, graffitied and even burnt. This case study examines the context for the contestation over the square and the monument and the decision the municipality took to address the protest.