Minister Torres and Lehendakari Urkullu attend the memorial service for the bombing in Gernika

Gernika celebrates the 87th anniversary of the bombing

Gernika dresses in memory and respect this Friday as it celebrates the 87th anniversary of one of the most tragic episodes in its history: the bombing that devastated the town in 1937. This event, which left an indelible mark on the collective memory of the community, is remembered with a series of acts that seek not only to honor the victims but also to promote peace and reconciliation today.

El central event of the day will begin with a heartfelt tribute to George Steer, the British correspondent whose chronicles about the attack, carried out by Franco's air force with the support of the German Condor Legion, brought the devastation of Gernika to the eyes of the world. This tribute not only recognizes Steer's journalistic work, but also highlights the importance of press freedom and the crucial role that the media plays in documenting conflicts and their human consequences.

La visit of the Minister of Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, and the acting Lehendakari, Iñigo Urkullu, these acts reinforce the commitment of the government and local institutions to historical memory and peace education. His presence underlines the importance of the democratic memory policy in Spain and the need to continue working on the recovery and recognition of all victims of conflicts and repression.

The XVII Gernika awards for peace

During the day, The 17th Gernika Peace Awards will also take place.. These awards are a recognition of the work of individuals and organizations that work tirelessly for peace, reconciliation between peoples and the defense of human rights. This year, The winners are the Lebanese group Combatants for Peace, made up of Israeli and Palestinian ex-combatants, and the group Los Justos del Mediterráneo, a platform that carries out migrant rescues at sea. Both groups represent living examples of how dialogue and direct action can transform conflicts into opportunities for peace and social justice.

After the awards ceremony, the memory will be moved to the city cemetery, where a wreath will be laid at the grave of the bombing victims. This moment of reflection is especially significant, since it is carried out under the sound of sirens that recall those that announced the arrival of the airplanes in 1937. It is a powerful reminder of the shadows of the past and the importance of working towards a future where such tragedies are not repeated.

The commemoration events in Gernika They are not only an opportunity to remember those who lost their lives on a tragic April day, but also to reflect on how we can, as a society, foster a culture of peace and mutual respect. It is in these acts of memory where we truly understand the relevance of history, not only to remember the pain but to learn from it and seek a path towards reconciliation and lasting peace.

El commitment of the Gernika community with memory and peace is a testament to their resilience and their desire to look to the future without forgetting the lessons of the past. Through education and remembrance, Gernika remains a symbol of the fight against oblivion and indifference, a place where collective memory becomes a beacon of hope and reconciliation.