Initiatives to Honor the Past
The City Council of Tortosa is moving forward with its commemorative signage initiative to recover the historical memory of its past, focused on the Second Republic, the Civil War and Francoist repression. This week, a set of plaques will be unveiled in honor of significant figures in the city who suffered the violence of the Francoist regime.
Key Characters and their Legend
Among those honored are Primitiu Sabaté Barjau, a surgeon shot in August 1939, and journalist Sebastià Campos Terré, executed shortly before. Mayor Josep Rodríguez will also be remembered, who shared the tragic fate with two other Tortosians, Joaquim Cid and Jacint Arbona. “Our goal is to pay tribute to those who suffered for their ideas and to ensure that their memory lives on,” said Mar Lleixà, councilor of Democratic Memory.
A Weekend of Reflection and Culture
On Sunday November 17, Tortosa will host a guided tour entitled “Franco’s repression in Tortosa”, led by journalist and historian Andreu Caralt. This activity will begin at the anti-aircraft shelter number 4, a space that has been recently renovated and signposted, and which seeks to be integrated into the heritage of the city’s democratic memory.
Routes that Revive History
The route will include stops at the residences of figures such as Joaquim Cid and Sebastià Campos, as well as a reminder of Mayor Josep Rodríguez. Rodríguez’s birthplace, located in Plaça Sant Jaume de Remolins, has already had signage since last year, but it will now be extended to other significant spaces.
Performances and Shows
To culminate the day, Plaça Sant Joan will host a musical performance by David Espinós, bringing an artistic touch to the commemoration.
Culture and Memory in One Day
At 12:00, the garden of the Puríssima convent will be the stage for the show ‘Al Safareig!’, presented by the Teatralizant company, which will fuse theater and popular music, thus enriching the commemorative program.
Documentaries that Reveal the Past
In addition, during the afternoon, the Museum of Tortosa will host the screening of the documentary ‘Anita. The militia had a name’. This film, directed by Toni Monné and Santi Valldepérez, explores the life of one of the most emblematic figures of the anarchist struggle during the Civil War, offering a new perspective on the events that marked that era.
With these initiatives, Tortosa not only preserves its history, but also encourages a dialogue about the past that will help build a future that is more conscious and respectful of collective memory.
