Barcelona bombing left lasting impact on one family

Carme, a grandmother in Barcelona, Spain, repeatedly told her granddaughter about the Italian fascist bombing of the city in March 1938. During 41 hours, planes dropped roughly 45,000 kilograms of bombs on civilian areas. Carme sheltered her daughter by going downstairs in their building, though she knew it offered little real protection.

The author reflects on not fully understanding the stories until later in life. She now notes a growing disconnect between younger generations and the value of democracy. A recent CIS poll suggests about 30% of new voters support far-right parties, seemingly taking freedoms for granted.

The author believes families have a responsibility to share these memories, beyond what is taught in history class. She points to Lea Ypi’s work on her grandmother’s life as an example of understanding how history repeats itself. The author acknowledges that passing on these stories is crucial, even as fewer people remain who lived through the dictatorship.