Remembering an icon of historical memory
The recent death of José Caperos has left a void in La Rioja. At 92 years old, his life was marked by tragedy and bravery, and he was a living witness to the horrors of war and repression.
José, son of Miguel Caperos and Teresa Lumbreras, was raised in the turbulent context of the Spanish Civil War. The loss of his father, a councilor of Casalarreina in 1936, plunged him into a heartbreaking reality from an early age.
A story of resistance and hope
José’s childhood was marked by family separation and the bombings in Bilbao. Evacuated to France along with other children and women, his return to Casalarreina was marked by the harshness of the post-war period.
Through his own words, José narrated his mother’s struggle to raise her children, facing pain and uncertainty with courage. His message about the importance of remembering the past resonates as a call to action.
La Barranca: A symbol of pain and memory
For José, La Barranca represented more than a physical place; It was the epitome of suffering and loss. Annual visits to the place where his father lay were a constant reminder of the cruelty of war.
Despite the pain, José recognized the importance of keeping historical memory alive. His mother, whom he described as a heroine, instilled in him values of bravery and resistance, teaching him to face the past with determination.
A legacy of strength and gratitude
The story of José Caperos is a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. His gratitude for knowing the truth about his father’s death highlights the importance of justice and memory.
Today, La Rioja says goodbye to one of its most beloved sons, whose legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and resistance in times of darkness.