Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Partying in Protest on Plaza Bolívar


Furious fun: students protest on the steps of Congress against a proposed reform of the public university system. 
Lots of people protest for lots of causes in central Bogotá, but few of them seem to have as much fun and do it as artistically as do the university students. Many of the protesters study at La Nacho, the National UniversityRelatedProtesters paint the policeOccupy La Nacho

Free hugs for Education!
Blow, blow, blow the walls of government down!
Dancing and whistling against the reform! Class was never this much fun. 



Students stage a mock funeral near the Museo de Oro. 

A few moments later dozens of motorcycle police came roaring down Jimenez Ave. We took off, so I missed the confrontation.  



Simon Bolivar gets new clothes. 
Simon Bolivar gets armed with flags.


'Excess education is dangerous for the state'




Revolution with love. 


A man performs with a crystal ball on the Simon Bolívar statue, with the Cathedral behind him.







The poster says 'No to the 30 Law,' which would allow private investment in the public university system. 
Note the line of riot police on the Congress building's steps. A few moments later, students rushed them and occupied the steps.

The steps of Congress become much more colorful. 

Students crowd the steps of Congress, overwhelming riot police posted there.


Singing and dancing on the plaza. Protesting is so much fun, it's no wonder they don't go back to class.  

A line of anti-riot police. Many covered their shields with plastic film to protect them from getting painted, as happened in the previous protest.


A sea of student protesters occupy the steps of Congress. Certainly looks more festive now. 


A loving revolution. 


Vaccinate yourself against the reform. 

Afterwards, police clean their shields which get paint bombed by protesters

Afterwards, cleaning up at McDonad's, that symbol of imperialist capitalism.

A list of demands hanging beside the portrait of El Che in the National University.

A mural in central Bogotá proclaims 'Long live the strike.'

A mural in the National University says 'This is what I think of your reform.'

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