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Lima, Peru.  Lima’s Euskal Etxea along with the Delegation of Euskadi in Chile and Peru were the organizers of an exhibit on the 75 anniversary of the Bombing of Gernika that was recently on display in the Sala Rimac in the Peruvian capital.  The exhibit was composed of panels with photos, stories and messages about the tragedy, and according to club president, Raul Noblecilla, “the comparison of the village before and after the bombing was very impressive.” 

The show’s inauguration gathered local authorities, members of the cultural world, as well as Basque community members.  Among them was the Basque Government Delegate to Chile and Peru, Ana Urchueguia, Lima’s Basque club president Raul Noblecilla, the Spanish ambassador Juan Carlos Sanchez Alonso and Monsignor Miguel Irizar, Bishop Emeritus of Yurimaguas and el Callao.

The presentation was lead by Pedro Pablo Alayza, the Cultural Manager of the Municipality of Lima.  The Euskadi Delegate, Ana Urchueguia spoke about the significance of the exhibit considering Gernika as a symbol of peace and liberty.

[Some of the participants at the presentation include Raul Noblecilla, Basque Government Delegate Ana Urchuegia and survivor of the bombing Jon Guarrachoena (photo LimaEE)]

[Shot of the Sala Rimac during the exhibit’s inauguration (photo LimaEE)]

Eye Witness

The most emotional presentation at the inauguration was that of Jon Guarrochena who survived the bombing.  “He was a child, three years old, when he went to the market with his mother, as well as to visit two older sisters who lived in Gernika,” as told by Raul Noblecilla.   “Jon said it was a clear day when the Heinkel He 111 began to release their bombs.  Later the K-88 planted their incendiary and explosive bombs.  The evening was stained by darkness and blood.” 

Guarrochena acknowledged that because of his young age he was not aware of what was happening: “I was oblivious to everything, but I know that it was terrible for my mother and something that she would never forget for the rest of her life.”  There was 70% destruction, Noblecilla point out.  During the exhibit, Jon Guarrochena was visible emotional, as he was applauded by the audience.  How many people died? Jon asked, to which he responded with the words of the journalist Ingles Steer, correspondent for The Times: “For the town of Gernika it was not a question of figures, but infinite and immeasurable horror.”   

The inauguration concluded with a performance by the Basque club choir who sang “Gernikako Arbola,” “Txoria Txori,” and “Agur Jaunak.”