Sabadell faces the challenge of preserving its industrial textile memory

Local advocates call for active policies to prevent the loss of testimonies from the generation that built the city.

Generic image of an old industrial brick chimney symbolizing the city's textile past.
IA

Generic image of an old industrial brick chimney symbolizing the city's textile past.

The city of Sabadell is at a crossroads regarding the preservation of its recent history, deeply rooted in immigration and the textile industry of the Vallès Occidental region.

Preserving local identity requires more than just static symbols on streets. There is a growing concern that the life stories of the generation that built the city's neighborhoods and worked in its factories are disappearing without being properly recorded by Sabadell's institutions.
While other towns like la Ràpita are preparing for the 10th anniversary of the Orígens project in 2026, local voices warn of a lack of momentum in the Vallès area. Successful models in Tortosa and Batea demonstrate how schools can use oral history to connect youth with their heritage.
Education is seen as the cornerstone for fostering a sense of belonging. Programs such as Ciutat i Escola are essential tools, yet critics argue they must be more proactive to ensure that iconic landmarks, like the city's numerous industrial chimneys, retain their historical significance for future generations.