The Catalan government will install 113 new Stolpersteine across 48 municipalities in 2026, increasing the total to 872. Conseller Albert Dalmau announced this initiative from the Mauthausen concentration camp, honouring Catalan victims of Nazism.

Commemorating Victims of Nazism

These small concrete blocks, topped with a brass plaque, commemorate victims of Nazism. German artist Gunter Demnig created the Stolpersteine project in 1996. Workers will place the 113 new pieces throughout the year in 48 municipalities. This includes L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, a city in the Barcelona metropolitan area with over 260,000 residents. Other new locations include l'Escala (10), Palamós (8), and Tortosa (6).

Conseller Dalmau emphasised the Generalitat's role in preserving the memory of Catalans persecuted by Nazism. He stated, "We must remember the horror and human barbarity that happened here [Mauthausen]. We must make an effort of memory so that it does not happen again." Dalmau made these remarks after leading the Generalitat's delegation at the 81st anniversary commemoration of the camp's liberation.

A Call for Unity Against Fascism

Dalmau also called for unity to defend freedom, noting that "fascism is spreading across Europe." He added, "Democrats must unite, whatever we think, to defend democracy and the human condition." He shared a personal connection to the commemoration. His grandmother's brother, prisoner 5,404, was a republican exile and deportee. He was first imprisoned in France before being transferred to Mauthausen. This personal story highlights the deep impact of the war on many Catalan families.

"The tribute is a very emotional moment to remember the stories of many politically involved families who confronted fascism," Dalmau explained. Nazism claimed approximately 1,400 Catalans as victims. Many of these individuals were prisoners and exiles from the Spanish Civil War. Nazis later murdered them in concentration camps. The installation of these Stolpersteine is a permanent, tangible reminder in the very streets where victims once lived.

Preserving Historical Memory

The Stolpersteine project aims to bring the memory of individuals back to their last chosen place of residence or work. Each stone bears the name, birth date, deportation date, and fate of a single victim. This initiative ensures that the memory of these victims remains visible. It helps residents and visitors understand the profound impact of Nazism on Catalonia. It also reinforces the importance of historical remembrance for future generations. The installations will continue throughout 2026, adding to Catalonia's growing network of memorials.

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Originally published by 20 Minutos Barcelona. Read original article.