Introduction
When you think of social justice, what comes to mind? For many, the answer may be protests or rallies. Images often come to mind of people gathered in public squares, raising their voices in unison.
But social justice goes beyond protests. It is about creating a society in which everyone has the opportunity to prosper. It's about making sure everyone has a voice and that those voices are heard.
And for many years, Plaza del Comercio has been one of the most important spaces for social justice in Barcelona. This square has witnessed innumerable protests and rallies, and it was here that the town of Sant Andreu rose up against the military during the Tragic Week of 1909.
Plaza del Comercio in Barcelona
Plaza del Comercio in Barcelona is one of the most emblematic places in the city.
It is popularly known as the clock square due to the large wall clock that is visible. A black cast-iron fountain occupies the center of this square, the neuralgic point of the neighborhood's associative fabric. In this square was the old Casinet de l'Avenç, now disappeared, where Ignasi Iglésias premiered some of his most important literary works.</ P>
But did you know that it has also been the center of some of the biggest protests and riots in the city?
In 1909, during the Tragic Week, the square was the meeting point for the residents of Sant Andreu. They met here to plan their actions and distribute weapons. When the news spread that the army was on the way, the crowd became even more agitated and set fire to the parish church of Sant Andreu de Palomar.
The Tragic Week of 1909
You remember Tragic Week, right? It was that week of protests and uprisings that took place in Barcelona in 1909. It all started when the Spanish military killed two workers during a peaceful protest in Plaza del Comercio.
From there, things only got worse. The people of Barcelona took to the streets and the square became the center of all the action. Plans were made, weapons were distributed and, before long, the parish church of Sant Andreu de Palomar was burned down.
It was a dark time for Barcelona, but the Plaza del Comercio played a vital role in it all. Remember its history the next time you pass by. It is a reminder of what is possible when people come together to fight for their rights.
How Commerce Square became a center of rebellion
Plaza del Comercio in Sant Andreu has always been one of the favorite meeting places for residents. During the Tragic Week (1909), this square became the center of the rebellion. From here the actions were planned and the weapons were distributed. With the news that the military were about to arrive, spirits rose even more and the crowd gathered in the square decided to set fire to the parish church of Sant Andreu de Palomar.
Restore social justice today with the legacy of Plaza del Comercio
In 2009 the centenary of the Tragic Week was celebrated and with it the fundamental role that the Plaza del Comercio played in restoring social justice in those days. Today, after 111 years, his legacy lives on among us and motivates us to continue fighting for a better world.
Currently, the Plaza del Comercio hosts numerous community activities that reflect the ideals of those who made history more than a century ago: protests for social justice, demonstrations for equal rights and neighborhood meetings to preserve the neighborhood . This reminds us that our individual actions have global repercussions. So every time you pass through this square, let's remember his legacy and be willing to continue fighting for social justice, now as then.
Conclusion
The square has always been a central meeting point for the people of the Sant Andreu neighbourhood. During the Tragic Week (1909), this square was the center of the revolt. From here plans were made and weapons were distributed. When the news of the arrival of the military spread, the residents of the square became even more excited and the crowd decided to burn down the parish church of Sant Andreu de Palomar.