Death of José Mujica: Uruguay bids farewell to José ‘Pepe’ Mujica with emotional State Funeral
Thousands gather in Montevideo to honor the former president José Mujica as guerrilla fighter, and global symbol of humility and resilience.
Uruguay held a solemn state funeral for former President José "Pepe" Mujica, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 89. Known for his humble lifestyle and deep political convictions, Mujica's death has sparked a wave of national grief. In Montevideo, his coffin was carried by a horse-drawn carriage to the Legislative Palace, accompanied by chants of “El pueblo está contigo” (“The people are with you”).
The ceremony began at Independence Square, the political heart of Montevideo, under a cool morning breeze. Mujica’s widow, former Vice President Lucía Topolansky, placed the Uruguayan flag on his coffin with President Yamandú Orsi by her side. Alongside it lay the Artigas flag, a historic symbol embraced by the left-wing Broad Front coalition, which Mujica helped build after emerging from over a decade of military imprisonment in 1985.
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Tributes from supporters and leaders alike
Supporters from the Popular Participation Movement (MPP), Mujica’s political group, lined the funeral route dressed in black shirts bearing one of his famous sayings: “I’m not leaving, I’m arriving”. As the cortege moved slowly along Montevideo’s main avenue, 18 de Julio, applause and cries of “Grande Pepe” and “Hasta siempre” echoed from the sidewalks and balconies.
Government ministers and Topolansky followed the procession, which paused outside the headquarters of the Broad Front and MPP before arriving at the Parliament. Mujica’s body will lie in state until Thursday afternoon, after which a private ceremony will follow. He will be cremated and buried under a century-old tree at his countryside home in Rincón del Cerro — a place he never left, even while serving as president from 2010 to 2015.
A legacy remembered across generations
The atmosphere was filled with emotion as people of all ages paid tribute. Azucena, a 70-year-old woman, recalled silently applauding the actions of the Tupamaros, the guerrilla group Mujica once belonged to. She emphasized the unity in mourning, noting how politicians from across the spectrum refrained from criticism. “That is our democracy,” she said through tears.
Younger Uruguayans also turned out in large numbers. Camila and Sofía, two student teachers in their twenties, came after class to honor Mujica. “He spoke to us, to the youth,” said Camila. “His message was to live and love.” Sofía added: “He led by example. He never stopped being himself — living on his farm with his dog Manuela.” As they left, an elderly Azucena gently told them, “Let’s keep planting seeds.”
