• Francisco Pizarro's statue reinstalled in Lima 22 years after its removal.
• The unveiling occurred during celebrations for the 490th anniversary of Lima.
• Mixed reactions ensued, with supporters viewing it as a historical revival, while detractors see it as an offense to indigenous peoples.
• Protests erupted nearby, highlighting ongoing racial and historical tensions in Peru.
• The statue's return has intensified discussions about colonial legacy and historical accountability.

A statue of Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro has been ceremonially reinstated in Lima, Peru, after being removed two decades ago due to its contentious legacy. This event coincided with the 490th anniversary of the city's founding, marked through a ceremony held in the main square guarded by police and attended by various dignitaries. The bronze sculpture, which weighs about 7 tonnes and stands 5 meters tall, was originally erected in 1935 and reflects a Renaissance-inspired depiction of Pizarro on horseback brandishing his sword. The ceremony was officiated by Lima’s mayor Rafael López Aliaga and Isabel Díaz Ayuso, president of the Community of Madrid, as they aimed to "celebrate a historical encounter that transformed the world," as reported by BBC.

However, the statue's return has reignited the debate over Pizarro's legacy, who led a small contingent of Spaniards to conquer the Inca Empire and subsequently founded Lima in 1535. Critics, which include indigenous leaders and several protesters assembled nearby, assert that he represents colonial oppression and violence. During the event, protests erupted with demonstrators voicing chants like "Out with Pizarro!" and highlighting the need for a reckoning with colonial injustices.

Despite the public opposition, supporters of the statue argue that its return demonstrates a respect for Peru's complex history rather than an attempt to glorify colonialism. A statement from the mayor emphasized that restoring the statue to its former location signifies a reunion of Pizarro with the "historical heart of Lima." This ongoing clash between conflicting viewpoints on history signifies the deeper racial and class divisions prevalent within Peruvian society today. This event underscores the necessity for dialogue surrounding Peru's colonial past and its implications for modern identity, a sentiment echoed by critics like former presidential candidate Yonhy Lescano, who remarked, "We stopped being a colony long ago," highlighting the need to remember the contributions of indigenous heroes like Tupac Amaru and Micaela Bastidas. This contentious unveiling has not only resurrected historical grievances but continues to provoke reflection on Peru's colonial legacy, as both supporters and detractors grapple with the implications of commemorating such polarizing figures, as noted by The Guardian.