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Guatemala Remembers 41 Young Fire Victims with Mayan Ceremony

IN PICTURES: The 41 Guatemalan victims of the terrible fire that consumed the group home last year are being remembered by their families in a Mayan ceremony and vigil in Sumpango.
More than 100 people marched from the Indigenous town of Sumpango to the capital's Plaza de la Constitucion, where a Mayan ceremony and vigil was held. The demonstrators demanded justice for the victims' families, holding banners saying 'Protection for girls!' and 'We have not forgotten them!'
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In 2017, 58 artists from Argentina, France, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico and Spain painted the faces of the girls with different styles and colors in honor of the victims and their families as part of a campaign using the hashtag #NosDuelen56.
In 2017, 58 artists from Argentina, France, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico and Spain painted the faces of the girls with different styles and colors in honor of the victims and their families as part of a campaign using the hashtag #NosDuelen56. Photo:EFE
A Mayan ceremony in memory of the 41 young victims of a fire at the Virgen de Asuncion children's shelter during a protest to mark the first anniversary of the disaster, in Guatemala City, March 8.
A Mayan ceremony in memory of the 41 young victims of a fire at the Virgen de Asuncion children's shelter during a protest to mark the first anniversary of the disaster, in Guatemala City, March 8. Photo:Reuters
The victims of the terrible fire that destroyed the Virgen de la Asuncion group home last year were remembered by the ones they left behind as paintings of the girls were hung around the city.
The victims of the terrible fire that destroyed the Virgen de la Asuncion group home last year were remembered by the ones they left behind as paintings of the girls were hung around the city. Photo:EFE
Volunteer firefighters carry flowers for the fallen as the sun shines down on the remains of the state home on the first anniversary of their deaths.
Volunteer firefighters carry flowers for the fallen as the sun shines down on the remains of the state home on the first anniversary of their deaths. Photo:EFE
A group of young musicians joins the ceremony as music and memories are shared between the bereaved and town citizens.
A group of young musicians joins the ceremony as music and memories are shared between the bereaved and town citizens. Photo:EFE
On March 8 last year, fire broke out at a government-run home for abused teenagers in San Jose Pinula after dozens of residents fled following an overnight strike over mistreatment.
On March 8 last year, fire broke out at a government-run home for abused teenagers in San Jose Pinula after dozens of residents fled following an overnight strike over mistreatment. Photo:EFE
A group of 56 girls was locked in a room and, despite calls for help, authorities did not open the door as flames engulfed the shelter. Fifteen others suffered serious burns.
A group of 56 girls was locked in a room and, despite calls for help, authorities did not open the door as flames engulfed the shelter. Fifteen others suffered serious burns. Photo:EFE
The shelter for abused teens aged up to 18 had received complaints about overcrowding and other abuse. Despite its legal capacity of 500, the shelter reportedly housed more than 800 children.
The shelter for abused teens aged up to 18 had received complaints about overcrowding and other abuse. Despite its legal capacity of 500, the shelter reportedly housed more than 800 children. Photo:Reuters
Relatives of the victims and outraged Guatemalans demanded the resignation of President Jimmy Morales over the tragedy, with hundreds using the cry 'It was the state.' Investigations into the incident have brought to light a long record of sexual abuse, suicide, criminal activity and even human trafficking at the state institution.
Relatives of the victims and outraged Guatemalans demanded the resignation of President Jimmy Morales over the tragedy, with hundreds using the cry 'It was the state.' Investigations into the incident have brought to light a long record of sexual abuse, suicide, criminal activity and even human trafficking at the state institution. Photo:EFE
An artist dances in front of paintings commemorating the 41 victims.
An artist dances in front of paintings commemorating the 41 victims. Photo:EFE
Spanish journalist Asier Vera places 41 roses at the entrance of what was left of the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home in honor of the 41 girls who died in the fire.
Spanish journalist Asier Vera places 41 roses at the entrance of what was left of the Virgen de la Asunción Safe Home in honor of the 41 girls who died in the fire. Photo:EFE
Maria del Carmen Urias, mother of one of the victims, places candles in their honor during a vigil.
Maria del Carmen Urias, mother of one of the victims, places candles in their honor during a vigil. Photo:EFE
Published 8 March 2018
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