Initiative for La Gomera promotes the recognition of the “Fogueo” of Vallehermoso as part of the democratic memory of the Canary Islands
Iniciativa por La Gomera has presented an institutional proposal for the recognition, preservation, and dissemination of one of the most significant episodes in the contemporary history of the municipality of Vallehermoso: the so-called "Fogueo," which took place on July 24, 1936, in the early days of the Spanish Civil War. This year marks the 90th anniversary of events that left a profound imprint on the town's collective memory.
The "Fogueo" took place when residents organized around the Vallehermoso Workers' Federation, together with municipal representatives and members of the Civil Guard loyal to the Government of the Second Republic, resisted the entry of rebel forces from other parts of the island. For several hours, there was an armed clash that constitutes one of the few documented episodes of resistance to the military coup in the Canary Islands and the only one of this nature in La Gomera, with repercussions throughout the archipelago.
Following the occupation of the municipality, a harsh crackdown ensued with arrests, summary courts-martial, imprisonments, and executions of residents and officials linked to the defense of the constitutional order.
The Iniciativa por La Gomera emphasizes that this episode has extraordinary historical, political, and social significance, as it symbolizes the defense of democratic legality and constitutional values. Its recognition falls within the obligations set out in Law 20/2022 on Democratic Memory and Law 5/2018 on Historical Memory of the Canary Islands, which establish the duty of public authorities to preserve, research and disseminate historical memory.
The coalition insists that this initiative is not confrontational in nature, but rather responds to an exercise in democratic memory based on truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition.
Iniciativa por La Gomera proposes the institutional recognition of the "Fogueo" as an integral episode of the democratic memory of Vallehermoso, due to its historical significance as an act of defending republican legality and democratic values.
There are also plans to promote historical research in collaboration with universities, experts and memorial organizations, with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of the events of July 24, 1936, and their subsequent consequences in the municipality.
The proposal also includes a study into the creation of a memorial space by installing a plaque or interpretive panel in a significant location in Vallehermoso, intended to commemorate the events and the people who were repressed.
Similarly, the institutionalization of an annual commemorative event on July 24 is promoted, as well as the development of educational and outreach programs aimed at schools and the general public to foster awareness of this historical episode and its democratic values.
There are also plans to promote the collection and preservation of oral testimonies, historical documentation and visual material related to the "Fogueo" for inclusion in the municipal archive.
Finally, the collaboration of the La Gomera Island Council and the Government of the Canary Islands is requested for the implementation of research, conservation, and dissemination activities related to this historical event.
The initiative was presented by the spokesperson for Iniciativa por La Gomera, Alejandro Garcia,, who has emphasized the importance of "recovering and honoring the memory of those who defended democracy and the belief in a much fairer world where fascism posed a threat to freedom."
With this proposal, Iniciativa por La Gomera reaffirms its commitment to democratic memory, the honoring of victims, and the preservation of local history as an essential part of La Gomera's collective identity.
