Franco's regime's slain evangelical woman to be honored in commemoration of victims' tribute

Spanish teacher Carmen Hombre Ponzoa, part of the small Protestant minority, was imprisoned, later executed while expecting, alongside her husband.

, and ASMedia

2025 September 1 . 10:46 PM

2 min read

Franco's regime execution victim, an evangelical woman, to be honored in a memorial tribute for... — Franco's regime execution victim, an evangelical woman, to be honored in a memorial tribute for victims

Franco's regime's slain evangelical woman to be honored in commemoration of victims' tribute

In a significant move towards acknowledging the diverse victims of Spain's past, the country is set to honour Carmen Hombre Ponzoa, an evangelical Christian woman who fell victim to the repression of Francisco Franco's regime during the Spanish Civil War and subsequent dictatorship.

Born on 30 December 1903 in San Fernando, Hombre Ponzoa was a Protestant Christian in a context where her faith was a minority. She was politically active as a trade unionist affiliated with the General Union of Workers (UGT) and taught in several schools in the Jerez area.

Sadly, Hombre Ponzoa's life was cut short when she was arrested during the Spanish Civil War, along with her husband, Juan Máximo Salazar, another teacher. In August 1936, while pregnant, she was executed. Only their one-year-old son survived, saved by being rescued and secretly handed over to Hombre Ponzoa's sister.

The inclusion of Hombre Ponzoa in the 2023 Day of Remembrance and Tribute to all the Victims of the Military Coup, War, and Dictatorship signifies Spain’s ongoing efforts to confront and recognise the historical memory of the victims of the dictatorship, moving beyond ideological divisions to acknowledge diverse groups and individuals like Hombre Ponzoa who suffered under the regime.

This day serves as a public acknowledgment of the tragic consequences of the military coup, civil war, and dictatorship, providing dignity and remembrance to victims like her. It is the first time that an official tribute to the victims of the dictatorship and the war has recognised the repression of a person for their evangelical faith.

Fernando Martínez López, the Secretary of State for Democratic Memory, has brought Hombre Ponzoa's name to the forefront during a training course on memory and Protestantism. An event will be held in Madrid at the Auditorio Nacional de la Música on 31 October, attended by the President of the government, Pedro Sánchez. A commemorative diploma will be presented to the relatives of some twenty victims and reprisals during the event in Madrid. Two direct relatives (grandchildren) of Carmen Hombre Ponzoa will receive the distinction on her behalf.

Pastor Atilano Coco is another well-known case of an evangelical who suffered arrests and executions under Franco's regime. The Congress of Deputies is preparing an act of homage and remembrance to the victims of the Civil War and Francoism on 30 October, a day that marks a crucial step in Spain's ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation.