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Discover the Drama: Top 7 Unbelievable Fun Facts About Eva Peron You Never Knew

illustration of eva-peron
Dive into the intriguing world of Eva Perón, Argentina's stylish and enigmatic First Lady, as we uncover fascinating tidbits that may just make you say "Evita, more like Evi-whoa!"

1. Eva's Corpse World Tour

Who said the afterlife couldn't be an adventure? Eva Peron's corpse went on a 20-year globetrotting escapade, soaking in the sights behind the curtains in Buenos Aires and scoring an incognito baptism in Italy: Her body was hidden by the Argentinian military, secretly assisted by the Vatican to move her remains to Italy under a false name, returned to her widower in Spain, and eventually laid to rest in a heavily fortified crypt in Argentina, effectively giving her body the grand tour post-mortem.
Source => bbc.com

2. Earthquake Sparks Romance

How does an earthquake make sparks fly? When it leads to a government shake-up, of course! Romance blossomed between Eva and Juan Perón at the most groundbreaking charity event in 1944: Little did they know, their passionate bond would bring about the October 17th Revolution after Juan's brief detainment on the island of Martín García in 1945.
Source => evitaperon.org

3. Fashionista Turned Vice President

Talk about climbing the political ladder and defying wardrobe choices, Eva Perón went from dressing up in designer gowns to advocating for the "shirtless ones" of Argentina: In 1951, the First Lady announced her candidacy for the Peronist nomination for Vice President, gaining massive support from low-income and working-class Argentines, who were often called "shirtless" due to their circumstances. However, political opposition and health issues eventually forced her to withdraw her bid.
Source => en.wikipedia.org

4. Argentina's Carrie Bradshaw

If she were alive today, Eva Perón could easily have given Carrie Bradshaw a run for her money in the wardrobe department: Argentina's former First Lady had an unyielding penchant for hats and shoes, while sending powerful messages via her fashion choices—such as donning dark suits at political events to unite with the working class, and embracing the country's culture by hosting Tango-themed balls and Gaucho Week festivities. Ultimately, Eva's sartorial flair electrified her downtrodden compatriots, turning her into a symbol of hope and aspiration.
Source => latintrends.com

Actress to First Lady Transformation

5. Actress to First Lady Transformation

Who needs Hollywood when you can rule a country: Eva Perón, better known as Evita, switched her career from Argentine actress to First Lady and champion for the working class, establishing the Eva Perón Foundation to aid the poor and sick, and leaving a lasting impact on Argentine politics with her unique blend of charisma and commitment to social justice.
Source => playbill.com

6. Buenos Aires' Steel Woman

If Evita Perón were a superhero, she'd be called Steel Woman, gracing Buenos Aires with her metallic presence to remind everyone that she's a force to be reckoned with: Two colossal steel sculptures of Evita's face were unveiled on the Ministry of Health Building in 2011, reaching ten stories high, with one beaming towards the city's poorer area and the other defiantly facing the rich oligarchs, symbolically bridging the gap between the social classes like a true Wonder Woman of Argentina.
Source => nytimes.com

7. Lady of Banknotes Legacy

Once revered as the "Lady of Banknotes" in Argentina's game of Monopoly, Eva Peron danced her way into the hearts of the working class and never looked back: Her everlasting impact on women's rights earned her a starring role in both currency design and the creation of the Eva Peron Foundation, which provided schools, homes, hospitals, and orphanages to underprivileged communities. Although her life was cut short, her dedication to social reform will always be fondly remembered – with a wink and a smile.
Source => banknoteworld.com

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