Por Aquí Pasaron

“Por Aquí Pasaron” by Grupo Alturas is a poignant tribute to the journalists who lost their lives in the tragic events of Uchuraccay, Peru, on January 26, 1983. The song opens by setting the scene in Ayacucho, a region known for its historical significance and struggles for freedom. The lyrics evoke the memory of December 9, a date associated with the Battle of Ayacucho, a pivotal moment in Peru's fight for independence. This historical context serves as a backdrop for the more recent tragedy that the song commemorates.

The heart of the song lies in its lament for the eight journalists who were killed while investigating the violence in Uchuraccay. The metaphor of “eight red roses” symbolizes the journalists, whose lives were abruptly cut short. The imagery of these roses turning into stars in the sky poignantly conveys the idea that their spirits continue to shine and inspire, despite their untimely deaths. The repetition of the phrase “Por aquí pasaron y jamás volvieron” (They passed through here and never returned) underscores the sense of loss and the unresolved nature of their deaths.

Grupo Alturas uses this song not only to mourn the fallen but also to call for justice and remembrance. The lyrics explicitly reject silence and complicity, insisting that the memory of these journalists remains alive in the hearts of the people. By referring to them as “mártires de la noticia” (martyrs of the news), the song elevates their quest for truth to a noble and heroic endeavor. The closing lines, which emphasize liberty and justice, serve as a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom and truth is ongoing and that the sacrifices of these journalists should not be forgotten.