The Graves of Francoism is a project with a public service vocation that aims to promote democratic memory. Society has a moral obligation to undo the base 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 The Graves of Francoism. 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. The Graves of Paterna, organised by the Museum of Prehistory of Valencia, and 2238 Paterna. Place of Perpetration and Memory, 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.
Ricard Vinyes Ribas (Barcelona, 1952). He is Professor of Contemporary History at the University of Barcelona. He chaired the Drafting Committee of the Democratic Memorial Project (2005) and the Drafting Committee of the Basque Government's Institute of Memory Project (2012). He has been a member of the Commission of Experts for the Revision of the Valle de los Caídos (2011).
He has been Commissioner for Memory Programmes in the municipal government of Barcelona (2015-2019), under the mandate of Mayor Ada Colau and with the function of establishing and managing a public policy of memory for the city of Barcelona. His latest work has been the direction of the international project Diccionario de Memoria Colectiva (2018).
This conference is part of the programme of cultural activities The Graves of Francoism.
