Columbus' statue removed in Mexico ahead of demonstrations

The Mexican administration has displaced a famous bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and enclosed another with large metal fencing before a yearly demonstration that registers the explorer’s arrival in the Americas in 1492.

The eliminated figure of the 15th-century Italian sailor, along with four Catholic mendicants, mounted over one of the Mexico City’s central traffic groups for decades.

Authorisations stated it was taken away for refurbishment work on Saturday. However, they added that it was also time for contemplation about Columbus’s legacy, triggering consideration in Mexican media that the piece may not be returned.

“It is best to resolve these disagreements composedly, not counter against statues or figures,” told Lopez Obrador.

Mexico does not mark October 12 as Columbus Day, and it is not a public holiday. Rather, the day is utilised to commemorate Mexico’s Indigenous cultures and mixed-race, or mestizo, population, often characterised by large demonstration marches.

Demonstrators have asked for more awareness of the genocide and centenaries of colonial domination that supported Columbus’ journeys. Lopez Obrador has emphasised that the Spanish kingship and Catholic Church should formally apologise for the cruelties committed during the 16th-century European invasion of Mexico.

Sheinbaum urged all to harmoniously display on the legacy of Columbus, continuing that she would not make any one-sided judgment on whether the figure would return to its foundation, according to daily newspaper El Universal.