Democracy and memory: Popular Barcelona and the democratic tradition at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century

The city of Barcelona has a long democratic tradition; from its very founding as a city, it has witnessed numerous historical moments in which its inhabitants have fought for their rights and freedoms. One of the periods that will mark the social and political life of the city is from the late 19th century to the 1930s, during which Barcelona became a true battleground for the defense of fundamental rights by the working classes. At the same time, there were processes, movements, organizations, and actions that had a great influence on the political and social dynamics of the city, and that undoubtedly represent a popular legacy for Barcelona’s democratic memory today. The role of freethinkers and spiritualists in the fight for civil rights, as well as the organizational tradition of popular athenaeums and grassroots unionism, are some of the testimonies we want to collect and recover in order to reflect on the city’s democratic tradition. This conversation features two people who know Barcelona’s popular memory best.

• Speakers: Dolors Marín and Chris Ealham

• Moderate: Arnau Monterde

• Language: Catalan and Spanish