Barcelona has opened a mural in Born to commemorate victims of gender-based violence. The installation features a mirror with over 150 names. City officials and activists stress the need for visibility and resources.
A new mural titled ‘L’Escletxa’ now stands in Barcelona’s Born district, serving as a public tribute to women and children killed by gender-based violence. The artwork, created by Ilium Collective, was officially unveiled on a party wall at the intersection of Carrer de la Pescatería and Carrer de Tripó. The installation features a striking fissure running down a mirrored surface, etched with the names of more than 150 victims, symbolising the lasting scar left by these crimes.
The inauguration brought together city officials, including Raquel Gil, Barcelona’s Deputy Mayor for Feminisms, and representatives from the Plataforma Unitaria Contra las Violencias de Género (PUCVG). Both the city council and local residents supported the project, which cost €142,000 and was coordinated through the Municipal Institute of Urban Landscape’s party wall programme. According to the artists, the mural aims to make visible all forms of gender violence, including cases of vicarious violence against children and the murders of trans women.
The first officially recorded feminicide in Barcelona dates back to 2003, when Ana María Fábregas Escuder was killed after her repeated complaints of abuse were ignored by the authorities. Since then, the city has seen a continued need to address and remember victims of gender-based violence. The mural’s mirror not only reflects the names but also invites passersby to confront the reality of these losses in a public space.
During the ceremony, Raquel Gil emphasised the importance of public recognition and remembrance as tools to combat the ongoing problem of gender violence in Barcelona. The PUCVG highlighted the persistent lack of education and awareness around the issue, noting that their group has held monthly demonstrations for 19 years. They have pledged to continue until a month passes without a single feminicide—a milestone that has yet to be reached.
Gender-based violence remains a significant concern in Spain, with official statistics showing hundreds of women killed by partners or ex-partners over the past two decades. The Spanish government has implemented a series of legal reforms and awareness campaigns, but activists argue that more resources and education are needed to prevent further tragedies. Public memorials like ‘L’Escletxa’ are part of a broader effort to keep the issue visible and to honour those lost to violence. The mural’s location in a busy urban area ensures that the memory of the victims remains present in the daily life of the city.
