Evita’s Buenos Aires

Every city has its heroes — people who leave an indelible mark. Yet few cities are in thrall to a single person the way Buenos Aires is to María Eva Duarte de Perón. The wife of Juan Perón, president of Argentina from 1946 to 1955 and from 1973 to 1974, Evita, as she was known, lived in the capital for less than two decades before dying of cancer in 1952, at 33. To her supporters she was a saintlike defender of the poor; to her detractors, an irresponsible spender out for personal glory. Either way, her presence continues to be felt all over Buenos Aires and beyond. This year, the 60th anniversary of her death on July 26, her legend is being refreshed. In Buenos Aires, ceremonies, speeches and a candlelight march will occur on the date of her death; special exhibitions will be held throughout the year. But you don’t have to attend those to understand the bond between this city and Evita. The physical contributions she left now mingle with museums, countless statues and extravagant monuments built in her honor.