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.
Carmen Calvo Poyato (Cabra, Córdoba, 1957) Constitutional lawyer, university professor and member of the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. She was Vice-President of the Spanish Government between 2018 and 2021, and previously held several ministries. She is currently a Member of Parliament and President of the Equality Commission of the Congress of Deputies since September 2021.
As Minister of Culture, she favoured the creation of the Historical Memory Documentary Centre. She has also been the main driving force behind the current Law of Democratic Memory, in force since October 2022.
This conference is part of the programme of cultural activities Las fosas del Franquismo.
