90 years since Bóveda's assassination and 84 years since the Day of Galicia Martyr, a date not yet institutionalized

Today marks the 90th anniversary of the assassination of Alexandre Bóveda and the 84th year since the establishment of August 17 as the Day of the Martyred Galicia, a date still lacking formal institutional recognition. On this day in 1936, Bóveda was executed by Francoist forces, four days after they had staged a mock trial to justify his death. The Galician organization Irmandade Galega de Buenos Aires declared August 17 as the Day of the Martyred Galicia in 1942, commemorating both Bóveda’s execution and the broader repression faced by Galicians during the Spanish Civil War. Alexandre Bóveda, a prominent politician, economist, and intellectual, was a key figure in Galician autonomy movements. He served as the first director of the Caixa de Aforros de Pontevedra, ranked among the top candidates for head of state finances, and was part of the commission drafting the Statute of Autonomy. He was a leader of the Partido Galeguista and ran as a candidate in the 1936 elections under the Popular Front. His execution was intended to serve as a warning against Galician nationalism and republican ideals. Before his death, he delivered a poignant speech expressing his devotion to Galicia, stating he would die for his homeland and wished to be buried beneath its flag. The Francoists presented Bóveda's execution as a necessary measure against treason, framing it as an example of their resolve to suppress opposition. His death became emblematic of the repression faced by intellectuals and political activists during the dictatorship. In recent years, efforts have been made to recognize the significance of August 17, with the Galician nationalist party BNG leading calls for official acknowledgment. Despite these efforts, the date has not yet been formally recognized by the regional government, known as the Xunta. The legacy of Bóveda and other victims of the Francoist regime continues to be studied and remembered through initiatives such as the Nomes e Voces project, which maintains one of the most comprehensive databases of victims of repression. This research, led by the Histagra group at the University of Santiago, includes ongoing work on identifying victims, conducting excavations, and compiling a national census of those affected. These efforts highlight the enduring importance of remembering the past and preserving historical memory. In June, the BNG submitted another formal request to the regional parliament to officially establish and recognize August 17 as the Day of the Martyred Galicia. This initiative aligns with the growing public awareness and commemoration of the date, particularly in Pontevedra, where the play A derradeira lección do mestre by Castelao is being performed. The play serves as a tribute to Bóveda and all those who suffered under the Francoist regime, reinforcing the cultural and political significance of the date. As the anniversary approaches, discussions around the institutionalization of August 17 continue, reflecting a broader movement towards acknowledging and honoring the sacrifices of those who resisted authoritarianism. While progress has been made, the lack of official recognition underscores the ongoing struggle to ensure that the history of repression and resistance is fully integrated into the collective memory of Galicia. The future will likely see further advocacy and perhaps eventual recognition, ensuring that the legacy of figures like Bóveda is preserved and honored.