Battle car

Category: Civil Architecture > Memorial

District: Castelo Branco > Idanha-a-Nova > Penha Garcia

Location

The combat vehicle is located in Penha Garcia, a village in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova. This striking element is displayed in Largo do Chão da Igreja, a central space in the village. Its presence establishes a contrast with the historical and natural surroundings of Penha Garcia, positioning it at a visible and accessible point for those walking through the settlement.

Memory and Historical Context

This combat vehicle arrived in Penha Garcia approximately three decades ago, a result of a practice common in Portugal at the time: the Armed Forces would donate deactivated military vehicles to adorn public spaces in various localities. The specific model of this vehicle is recognized for its use during the Carnation Revolution, which marked April 25, 1974. Its presence in the square evokes the memory of this foundational date of Portuguese democracy.

Homage and Symbolism

The vehicle assumes a fundamental symbolic role, honoring the combatants of Penha Garcia, particularly those who participated in the Overseas War. There is an intention to place a plaque at the site to preserve the memory of those who lost their lives in that conflict. Its presence in the center of the village helps keep alive the history and the contribution of local inhabitants to crucial moments in the country's history.

The Artistic Installation

The combat vehicle is integrated into an installation created by sculptor Ana Mena, an artist with roots in Penha Garcia. This artistic project aims to give a new meaning to the vehicle's presence in the village. The installation is composed of carnations, which refer to the April 25 celebrations, and foresees the future inclusion of life-size human figures. These figures will symbolize both the inhabitants of Penha Garcia, paying homage to local combatants, and a family of visitors, expressing the astonishment that the combat vehicle frequently evokes.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt