On October 3rd, the Fossar de la Pedrera, located in the Montjuïc Cemetery, was the setting for an emotional tribute to individuals executed, repressed, and imprisoned during Franco's regime. This year's event held special historical significance as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of the Associació Pro-Memòria als Immolats per la Llibertat a Catalunya, an organization dedicated to keeping alive the legacy of repressed individuals and defending democratic values.
The event, organized by the Memorial Democràtic, Cementiris de Barcelona, and the Barcelona City Council, with the collaboration of the honored association, was part of the National Day in Memory of the Victims of the Civil War and the Repression of the Franco Dictatorship. The ceremony served as a space for remembrance and recognition of all those persecuted for their commitment to freedom and democracy.
The ceremony was attended by relatives of the victims and a broad institutional representation. Official speeches included a welcome from Miquel Trepat Celis, director of Cementiris de Barcelona; a presentation by Conxita Pujadas Ivern, vice-president of the Pro-Memòria Association; and an address by Josep Francesc Colomer i Besga, the association's president.
Representing public institutions, speakers included Raquel Gil Eiroá, Councilor for Democratic Memory of the Barcelona City Council; Ramon Espadaler i Parcerisas, Minister of Justice and Democratic Quality; and Josep Rull i Andreu, President of the Parliament of Catalonia.
“"We are committed to preserving democratic memory and transmitting to new generations the remembrance of the victims of the Civil War and the repression of the Franco dictatorship."
A highlight of the commemoration was a 30-minute tribute concert performed by a string quintet featuring Andrea Talavero, Marina Sala Sangrà, Patricia Torres Parada, Marçal Mialet Ayats, and Paula Piñero Garrido. They performed works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Eduard Toldrà, and Ricard Lamote de Grignon, Catalan composers who also suffered the consequences of repression during the Franco period.
Following this, the traditional floral offering was made at the monument commemorating the immolated, a moment of remembrance and homage shared by families and institutional representatives.
To conclude the day, participants moved to the tomb of President Lluís Companys, where a final floral offering was made in remembrance of his figure and all those who suffered Francoist repression.
