Spanish Civil War commemorations in Northern Ireland, The Republic of Ireland and Spain: political, spatial and generational relations between Irish anti-fascists and Spanish historical memory activists

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article attempts to analyse the distinctive nature of the commemorations of the Spanish Civil War that have been taking place in the North and the Republic of Ireland, and the partnerships of the memorial groups with Spanish correspondents. Using press archives and interviews, I argue that the commemorations are part of a delayed process of recovery of Ireland’s historical memory of people who were often exiled or forgotten, as well as a contribution to cross-community reconciliation in Northern Ireland. This process of rediscovery takes place through the creation of lieux de mémoire in the form of plaques, stone monuments of various forms, artworks, murals and repeated commemorations across Ireland and Spain. Although this process has its roots in Irish republican groups, trade union and community activists, it has expanded sufficiently to attract attention in Spain and to put down roots in the Madrid area and in Catalonia, most notably through regular visits by the Friends of the International Brigades Ireland group. The commemorations seem to remain more informal than in the United Kingdom, perhaps reflecting their recent development in the wake of the all-consuming Troubles that previously left less space for such activities.