John Lennon: Beloved in Peru too

That fans from New York to Liverpool to Tokyo mark Saturday's anniversary of John Lennon’s slaying is no stunner.But the annual public manifestations of homage in the Peruvian capital of Lima may surprise those unfamiliar with the deep affection here for the ex-Beatle.

Banners in the seaside San Miguel neighborhood advertise a free memorial concert under the heading "John Lennon, Más Allá del Rock & Roll," (roughly, John Lennon, More Than Rock 'n' Roll).

The Lima district hosts what is billed as South America’s sole public monument to Lennon, a quirky, life-size statue of the bespectacled songwriter performing with guitar.

The likeness stands in a patch of green overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific. A circular mosaic at the foot of the monument advises visitors: "Imagine."

The monument was inaugurated this year at the behest of San Miguel Mayor Salvador Heresi, a Lennon devotee, as this blog entry notes.

Posted by Patrick J. McDonnell in Lima

Photo: John Lennon memorialized in Lima; Credit: Radio Programas del Peru

Comments

[Bill Wells]

Hi,
I´m a U.S. citizen living and teaching English in southeastern Mexico. Imagine is a song I regularly use in my classes. It has been used in Mexican government public service announcements on TV. John Lennon is widely known and loved in Mexico. I´m happy to hear about what the Peruvians think about John Lennon.
Bill Wells