At the start of the Spanish Civil War, in the autumn of 1936, a tragedy unfolded in the small Andalusian village of Víznar—one that for a long time remained known to only a few. Twelve women, including not only seamstresses but also tobacco factory workers, maids, and dressmakers, were taken from the former San Gregorio (San Gregorio) monastery prison in Granada and executed. What united them was not their profession, but their tragic fate: they all ended up in the same mass grave, where they lay for nearly ninety years.
Excavations that began in 2022 uncovered the remains of these women in one of six graves hidden in the ravine of Víznar. The search for more victims continues today, but it is this group that has become a powerful symbol of remembrance for women whose lives were cut short in the earliest months of the dictatorship. In October 2024, the country’s authorities held an official ceremony in their honor, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical memory and respecting those who suffered for their beliefs and convictions.
Women of different backgrounds, united by tragedy
Among the victims, the youngest was 19-year-old dressmaker Eloísa Martín Cantal, while the eldest was 49-year-old Enriqueta García Plata, who worked on tobacco plantations. Only seven of the twelve were actually seamstresses or tailors—the rest worked in other fields. But they were all brought together by one thing: a strong civic spirit, involvement in trade unions and political organizations, and sometimes simply family ties to opponents of the regime.
Some of the women were arrested because of their own activities—membership in socialist or communist parties, or in UGT and CNT unions. Others ended up repressed due to the political activism of their relatives. For example, Eloisa Martín Cantal became a victim solely because her brother was a union member.
Memory restored decades later
The names and life stories of these women remained unknown to the general public for a long time. Only in recent years have researchers managed to recover certain details of their lives. For instance, Teresa Gómez Juárez was not only a dressmaker but also part of a theater troupe, while Enriqueta García Plata was known for her fierce spirit and generosity. Some, like Josefa Puertas Salinas, tried to escape persecution but were betrayed and captured.
In October 2024, 89 years after the tragedy, a memorial ceremony was held in Víznar. National authorities emphasized that these women have become symbols of the fight for freedom and justice. Their stories are now known, and their memory will endure for future generations.
Today, the remains that have been found not only restore historical justice, but also serve as a reminder of the price ordinary people paid for their beliefs. Eloisa Martín Cantal was the first of this group whose identity could be confirmed. Work to identify the other victims is expected to continue.
