Preguntas Por Puerto Montt

Victor Jara's song 'Preguntas Por Puerto Montt' is a poignant and powerful protest against the violence and injustice faced by the people of Puerto Montt, Chile. The song is a direct response to the massacre that occurred on March 9, 1969, when police forces opened fire on a group of squatters, resulting in several deaths and injuries. Jara, a prominent figure in the Nueva Canción Chilena movement, uses his music to give voice to the voiceless and to demand accountability from those in power.

The lyrics of the song are filled with sorrow and indignation. Jara begins by asking questions on behalf of those who were left behind and those who died without understanding why they were targeted. He highlights the senselessness of the violence, emphasizing that the victims were simply fighting for their right to live and have a piece of land. The repetition of the name 'Puerto Montt' serves as a haunting reminder of the tragedy and the location where it took place.

Jara directly addresses Pérez Zujovic, the Minister of the Interior at the time, holding him responsible for the brutal response to the peaceful protest. He accuses Zujovic of burying his conscience and states that no amount of rain can wash away the blood on his hands. This powerful imagery underscores the gravity of the crime and the moral culpability of those who ordered the attack. Through his music, Jara not only memorializes the victims but also calls for justice and accountability, making 'Preguntas Por Puerto Montt' a timeless anthem of resistance and remembrance.