From April 1 to 4, the European Observatory on Memories (EUROM) of the University of Barcelona Solidarity Foundation will take part in the Stolpersteine installation in Solsonès County, a tribute to twelve local victims deported to Nazi concentration camps. The initiative marks the culmination of extensive research identifying these individuals, whose persecution stemmed from exile and the Spanish Civil War. The project’s goal is to preserve historical memory, honor the victims, and reinforce democratic values and human rights.
Led by the Democratic Memorial of the Generalitat de Catalunya, alongside EUROM, the Solsonès Regional Council, the Lacetan Studies Centre, and local municipalities, this effort will see the placement of Stolpersteine—small memorial cobblestones designed by German artist Gunter Demnig—at the last known residences of the victims. As part of the world’s largest decentralized memory project, these golden plaques encourage passersby to pause and remember those who suffered persecution and deportation under the Nazi regime.
A Collaborative Effort in Memory Education
As part of its mission to promote transnational memory policies and educational initiatives, EUROM has actively contributed to the educational component of the project. Students from the Francesc Ribalta Institute have conducted in-depth research on the lives of the deportees, producing audiovisual materials that will be accessible via QR codes placed alongside the Stolpersteine. Additionally, students had the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with Jordi Guixé, director of EUROM, to deepen their understanding of the impact of Nazi deportations and the role of memory policies in contemporary Europe.
“The Stolpersteine project is a powerful reminder that memory must be a living force in our societies. By engaging students and communities, we ensure that the stories of those who suffered are not forgotten, but instead shape our collective commitment to democracy and human rights,” said Jordi Guixé, director of EUROM.
Theatrical Interpretation of Memory and Peace
Complementing the commemorative installations, the project also includes an artistic reflection on peace through the performance of L’Estació, a production by Joma, inspired by a story by Mercè Rodoreda. The play will be staged on April 1 at the Solsona Regional Theatre and April 3 at the Sant Llorenç de Morunys Theatre, further emphasizing the intersection of memory, art, and education.
A Commitment to Preserving Memory
The Solsonès Stolpersteine initiative marks an important step in the ongoing effort to recover and preserve the memory of Spanish victims of Nazi persecution. Through its involvement, EUROM continues to advocate for a transnational approach to remembrance, fostering dialogue between history, education, and civic engagement.
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