A Semester Full of Commemorations
The Xàtiva City Council has designed a wide agenda of activities within the framework of the Democratic Memory program, which will run for the first six months of the year. This initiative includes tributes to the victims of the civil war, artistic exhibitions and literary presentations that seek to preserve the memory of the past.
Reaffirmation of Social Commitment
Alfred Boluda, councilor for Historical Memory, highlighted the importance of this program, emphasizing that it coincides with two significant anniversaries: the 50th anniversary of Franco’s death and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the extermination camps. ‘Through these activities, we want to contribute to a more just and cohesive society,’ said Boluda.
Tributes and Remembrance Activities
The first significant event took place on January 25, where the eight Xativa residents deported to Nazi concentration camps were remembered. The commemoration was held in front of the Museum of Fine Arts, with the participation of relatives who laid a laurel wreath in honor of the victims.
Exhibition by Arthur Heras
On January 31, Xàtiva hosted the inauguration of the exhibition ‘Halt! Images that Think’, presented by renowned local artist Arthur Heras. This exhibition includes more than 200 works spanning various artistic formats, and will be available until April 30, 2025 in various cultural spaces in the city.
Memorial of the 1939 Bombing
On February 9, a tribute will be paid to the victims of the 1939 air raid, which caused 129 deaths and over 200 injuries. This event will be held at the train station and will include musical performances and speeches to remember this tragic date.
Literary Presentations and Conferences
The program also includes book presentations, such as Joan Torró Martínez’s on February 12, as well as an event in March with authors Marta García Carbonell and María Palau Galdón. In addition, on March 28 and 29, there will be education and memory days at the Xàtiva Cultural Center, along with an act of commemoration of the Valencian victims of Francoism.
Closing of the Programming
To close this cycle of memory, the Casa de Cultura will host an exhibition by the artist Carlos Arruñada during the months of April and May, which promises to provide a new look at the history and culture of the city.