Ayacucho women use carnival chants to protest against Dina Boluarte: “You have no blood on your face”
Women in Ayacucho protested against President Dina Boluarte during the carnival, using satirical chants like "You have no blood on your face," criticizing her government and cosmetic surgeries.
During the vibrant Ayacucho carnival celebrations, a group of women took to the streets with powerful protests against President Dina Boluarte. Carnival chants filled with sharp critiques of her government and personal life. Among the most striking lines sung was: "Dina Balearte, you provoke the people with your surgeries you mock everyone. You have no blood on your face." The satirical lyrics targeted not just her political actions, but also her cosmetic surgeries, mocking her physical appearance in a symbolic gesture of resistance.
The chants echoed a deep discontent in the region, especially concerning Boluarte's use of force during the 2022 protests and her disconnected public remarks that many feel fail to address the hardships faced by ordinary Peruvians. The women's protest captured the essence of growing public frustration and the desire for accountability from the government, making it a powerful moment in the ongoing national dialogue about leadership and representation in the country.
President Boluarte: "Carnivals in our regions promote tourism". Photo: TV Perú.
A message of defiance against Boluarte's government
The choice of carnival chants was no coincidence, as the festive environment allowed the women to express their anger and demand change in a context that traditionally celebrates freedom and expression. In a region like Ayacucho, where many disenfranchised communities have faced political neglect, such protests are more than just a cry for help. They are a bold statement against perceived injustice.
These chants, and the carnival atmosphere they were set in, also underscore the strength of resistance in moments when the government seems to ignore the struggles of the Peruvian people. As President Boluarte continues to navigate a complex and politically charged environment, protests like these are a clear indication of dissatisfaction and frustration at the top levels of leadership.
The Ayacucho Carnival was officially launched in the Government Palace. Photo: Andina.
The wider context of discontent in Peruvian society
Ayacucho has become a symbolic center for protests against Boluarte, particularly after the violence and repression during the 2022 protests, where her administration was criticized for its handling of demonstrations. The carnival chants are not only an expression of frustration but also a call for more respectful, empathetic leadership.
Despite Boluarte's leadership, many Peruvians feel her administration hasn't connected with their struggles, and instead, her actions have made the divide between the government and ordinary citizens even more apparent. The ongoing protests, including the use of carnival chants as protest tools, continue to symbolize the resilience of those demanding better representation.