How often does a revolutionary get a tourist visa? This bust commemorates Ernesto “Che” Guevara. He was an Argentinian revolutionary. He traveled to Madrid during the Franco dictatorship. It was 1959.
Che’s visit is an intriguing chapter. It happened during a politically charged era. Spain was under Franco’s rule. Cuba had just seen Castro’s revolution succeed. Guevara’s stopover in Madrid was brief but memorable.
The Argentinian revolutionary arrived in Madrid. He arrived on June 13, 1959. This was just a day before his 31st birthday. He came as part of a journey to many countries. These included Japan, Pakistan and Egypt.
Franco’s government granted Che a 20-hour permit. He was en route to Cairo. There he would attend the first Summit of Non-Aligned Countries. The government was aware of his visit. They closely monitored his activities. He was forbidden to contact the opposition. He couldn’t do political acts.
Photographer César Lucas captured Che’s visit. Lucas worked for Europa Press. He documented Guevara’s activities in Madrid. These photos give us a glimpse into Che’s time in Spain.
During his brief stay, Che visited several places. He ate pulpo a feira. This is Galician-style octopus. He visited the Vistalegre bullring. He had coffee at the California cafeteria. He even bought items at Galerías Preciados. The department store opened exclusively for him. It was a Sunday.
Che expressed interest in Madrid’s outskirts. He thought the neighborhoods were in misery. He visited the University City. He observed the sports facilities.
Interestingly, Che returned to Spain twice more. Once, his plane malfunctioned. This forced him to stay in Madrid for 15 days. He stayed at the Hotel Suecia. Another time, he traveled under the name Ramón Benítez.
Che’s visits to Madrid offer a surprising contrast. A communist revolutionary walked freely. This happened even during the Franco regime. His trips highlight complex relations. They existed between revolutionary Cuba and dictatorial Spain.
The bust here reminds us of that visit. It also commemorates the global impact of Che Guevara. His ideals still resonate today. They are a story of revolution. They also tell of a brief but remarkable visit to Madrid.