Democratic Memory

If heritage is what we inherit from our ancestors and grant to younger generations, there are few things more firmly etched in the memories of the working classes than acts against tyranny, successive rebellions or the struggle against various forms of oppression and injustice. They all make up our democratic memory, the ethical heritage of that part of the general public who, through their efforts, have historically democratised human relationships, with the aim of achieving higher levels of equality, despite opposition from another sector of the public who do not want it at all.
In January 2016, the Commissioner for Memory Programmes launched a project to signpost places associated with Barcelona’s democratic memory. In other words, places worthy of being explained —or showcased— to varying degrees, because something happened there, leading to a heightening of social, cultural, political and gender equality, in order to convey this legacy of struggle and exemplariness to the general public.
Two types of signposting have therefore been introduced.
Red informative stands offer a brief explanation of the site and the event in three languages, with accompanying images.
Blue circular plaques explain the reason for commemorating the person, event or activity in a few words.
There are currently 30 stands and 53 plaques; this map is the first step towards charting all aspects of the city’s democratic memory.