Las Fosas del Franquismo is a project with a public service vocation that aims to promote democratic memory. Society has a moral obligation to undo the slab of oblivion in order to never again repeat the most tragic episodes of our history. The project is multidisciplinary in nature, as it is approached from the perspective of archaeology, anthropology and historical memory.
The Diputación de València, with the Historical Memory Delegation, and the Department of Culture, with the Museums of Prehistory and L'ETNO, have produced two exhibitions, a publication and a programme of cultural activities, which aim to contribute to the truth, justice and reparation of the memory of the people shot in the Paterna Cemetery between 1939 and 1956. Special attention has been devoted to the victims and their families.
The project Las Fosas del Franquismo. Archaeology, Anthropology and Memory, of the Diputación de València will include a programme of complementary activities throughout 2023 and the first months of 2024: conferences, round tables, presentation of publications, musical performances, scenic arts and cinema, and the inauguration of two exhibitions: Archaeology of Memory. Las fosas de Paterna, organised by the Museum of Prehistory of Valencia, and 2238 Paterna. Lugar de perpetración y memoria, organised by L'ETNO, Museu Valencià d'Etnologia, which will help to strengthen critical thinking in the face of events that should never be repeated.
Xurxo Miguel Ayán Vila (Lugo, 1976) is a Galician archaeologist and researcher. He has always been closely linked to Pobra do Brollón (Cereixa), the land of his parents. He is an archaeologist and researcher at the Landscape Archaeology Laboratory of the Padre Sarmiento Institute of Galician Studies (CSIC in Santiago de Compostela). He develops his technical work in three main areas: the assessment and correction of the archaeological impact of major public works; the enhancement of heritage; and the dissemination of archaeological knowledge. Since 2014 he has co-directed the International Brigades Archaeological Project and since 2016 he has directed the Civil War Archaeology and Heritage Socialisation Project at Monte San Pedro (Amurrio).
This conference is part of the programme of cultural activities Las fosas del Franquismo.
