The Memorial de l’Oblit placed the town of Inca back at the centre of democratic memory this Sunday with a moving tribute to the Sancho brothers, victims of Francoist repression.
Held at the Claustre de Sant Domingo, the ceremony formed part of the institutional programme Inca té Memòria, promoted by the Ajuntament d’Inca, and reinforced the municipality’s long-term commitment to historical truth and human rights.
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The Memorial de l’Oblit as a space for collective remembrance
Over the years, the Memorial de l’Oblit has become one of the most significant local initiatives dedicated to democratic memory in Mallorca. Far from being a symbolic ceremony alone, the event seeks to foster public reflection, acknowledge past injustices and give dignity to those who suffered political repression.
This year’s edition focused on José, Emilio and Antonio Sancho Jorques, three residents of Inca who were murdered in 1937 during the height of Francoist violence. Their story reflects the pain endured by many families whose lives were shattered by persecution and silence.
Who were the Sancho brothers
The Sancho brothers were shoemakers by trade and deeply involved in the social and political life of Inca. They were members of the UGT trade union and the local Socialist group, openly committed to democratic values at a time when such positions carried serious risk.
Beyond politics, they were also known for their sporting involvement as players for CE Constància, which underlines their strong roots in the community. By highlighting these personal trajectories, the Memorial de l’Oblit restores individual identities to victims often reduced to historical statistics.
Democratic memory and historical context
Historian Toni Janer provided a detailed historical overview of the repression that followed the 1936 military coup in Mallorca. His contribution helped contextualise the violence and stressed the role of the Memorial de l’Oblit in educating new generations about the consequences of authoritarianism.
Music and poetry at the Memorial de l’Oblit
The ceremony opened with a musical performance by Miquela Lladó and Jordi Tugores, setting a reflective tone that accompanied the entire event. Music and poetry acted as powerful tools for emotional connection, allowing the audience to engage with memory beyond factual narration.
A format that reaches different generations
By combining historical explanation, artistic expression and family testimony, the Memorial de l’Oblit succeeds in addressing a broad audience. It speaks both to those who lived through decades of imposed silence and to younger generations discovering this chapter of history for the first time.
Institutional voices and political responsibility
The official welcome was delivered by Alice Weber, councillor for Culture and Democratic Memory, who emphasised that the Memorial de l’Oblit plays a vital role in ensuring that historical memory remains an active part of Inca’s present and future.
She stressed that democratic memory is not about reopening wounds, but about guaranteeing that human rights, justice and dignity remain central to public life.
Families at the heart of remembrance
One of the most emotional moments of the event was the intervention of the Sancho family, who shared words of remembrance and recognition. Their testimony highlighted how acts like the Memorial de l’Oblit contribute to symbolic reparation and collective healing.
A closing ritual with deep meaning
In keeping with tradition, the ceremony concluded with the performance of El cant dels ocells and a floral offering in memory of the Sancho brothers and all victims of repression. This collective gesture reinforced the shared responsibility embodied by the Memorial de l’Oblit.
Parallel exhibition and continued outreach
Alongside the main event, the exhibition Geography of Absence was inaugurated at the Sala de Vidre in the Quarter General Luque. The exhibition expands on the story of the Sancho brothers and extends the educational impact of the Memorial de l’Oblit beyond a single day.
Inca té Memòria as public policy
The Inca té Memòria programme represents a sustained municipal effort to recover, preserve and disseminate local historical memory. Through cultural activities, exhibitions and public ceremonies, the initiative promotes a model of democratic remembrance grounded in truth, justice and reparation.
The Memorial de l’Oblit as a local benchmark
With each new edition, the Memorial de l’Oblit strengthens its position as a local benchmark, demonstrating that democratic memory can be addressed at municipal level with rigour, sensitivity and a clear educational purpose.
In an era marked by the resurgence of disinformation and the erosion of democratic values in many parts of the world, initiatives like this take on renewed relevance. By anchoring remembrance in the local community and giving voice to real stories, the event transforms memory into a living civic practice. It reminds citizens that democracy is built not only through institutions, but also through collective awareness, empathy and the willingness to confront the past honestly.