Alianza Lima’s Tragic History and Influence on Lima’s Street Art Movement

Special Envoy to Lima (PER)

When the Chapecoense plane crashed in 2016, a country experienced a “déjà vu” of its own tragedy and mourned with Brazil. Almost 30 years earlier, in 1987, the Fokker F27 plane, which carried the generation of players Alianza Lima’s most promising aircraft, crashed into the high seas. Among athletes and technical staff, 43 people died. Only the pilot survived. There has been no news of him for decades.

Los Potrillos, the interrupted generation

Peruvian culture has at its core respect and reverence for its dead. Grief has no end date or expiration date. For this reason, every December 8th, the pilgrimage, in the district of La Victoria, extends along the busy avenue where the monument in honor of the interrupted golden generation is located.

From that squad, some names stood out and were the hope of better days for the Peruvian team. Journalists consulted by the report highlighted two very important ones: midfielder Carlos “Pacho” Bustamante and striker Luis “El Potro” Escobar.

At 18, El Potro was the biggest promise in Peruvian football. Summoned several times to the selection, including the main one, he had his own style and an above-average talent. It was from his nickname that came the nickname Los Potrillos for that cast. Pacho was also considered a jewel and, despite his young age, acted as the “conductor” of that team. Two players who could be fundamental in the Peruvian national team.

Reverence for history and art movement

– The story is very important for the fans. They say that those who don’t know their history cannot think ahead. That is true. We know our history and it makes us understand how much Alianza Lima represents in Peru – said Sandra Milla, 41, member of the “Bomberos Aliancistas” crowd.

There are many murals that honor those killed in the disaster of December 8, 1987, and each one tells the story from a different perspective. In fact, this is a curious spot on the streets of Lima. It is possible to find the murals in various regions of the capital of Peru, even far from the district of La Victoria, where the Alianza stadium is located, and on the outskirts of the city.

One of the most popular murals is the one that portrays the episode of solidarity between Colo-Colo and the blanquiazul club. The attitude of the Chilean team, which lent four players during the alliance reconstruction period, is celebrated to this day. This friendship was responsible for interrupting decades of rivalry between Chileans and Peruvians.

The tragedy shaped the history of Alianza, but also street art in Lima. The inspiration for so many beautiful tributes was born from the horror and pain of a country. But it is through suffering that many works come about. And it is thanks to art that the Los Potrillos squadron still lives.

Where to watch Alianza Lima vs Atlético-MG and time

Data: Tuesday, June 5, 2023

Time: 21:00 (Brasília time)

Local: Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru

Where to watch: ESPN (closed TV) and Star (streaming)