Spain’s left-leaning coalition government on Wednesday unveiled an additional 480 commemorative events scheduled for this year to mark both the 50th anniversary of Francisco Franco’s death and the return of democratic rule.
These concerts, talks, exhibitions and other activities expand on the more than 150 events already organised nationwide under the banner ‘Spain at Liberty‘ (España en Libertad). ALSO READ: Events to mark 50 years since Franco’s death commence, yet his legacy still divides Spain.
Franco, who led the country for almost 40 years with authoritarian control, died on 20 November 1975 at the age of 82. Two years later, Spaniards held democratic elections, followed in 1978 by a referendum approving a new constitution — now honoured annually on 6 December as a national holiday.
Democratic Memory Minister Ángel Víctor Torres explained that the government had chosen not to stage a single ‘central act’ on Thursday to mark the date of Franco’s death, preferring instead to ‘celebrate the recovery of democracy throughout the year’ ALSO READ: Senate approves law that bans support for Franco and seeks to bring ‘justice’ to victims..
‘We are not celebrating the death of the dictator, we are celebrating the beginning of the end’ of the dictatorship, he said during a press briefing. ALSO READ: Spanish government unveils its plans to remodel controversial Franco monument.
The planned programme is intended to showcase Spain’s political, social and economic evolution, while also recognising those who fought to secure those changes. ALSO READ: Spanish government to publish a list of Franco-era symbols targeted for removal.
Torres noted that the commemorations will continue into 2026 and potentially further, with many activities directed at younger generations born after the dictatorship who never lived through the ‘years without freedom’.
The government is additionally developing a video game designed to help players grasp ‘personal attitudes and policies that threaten democracy’, according to a statement from his ministry.
A survey by the national polling institute CIS in October found that just over 20% of Spaniards viewed the dictatorship as ‘good’ or ‘very good’, while 65.5% regarded it as ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’.
Franco first emerged as a dominant figure during the Spanish Civil War, triggered in 1936 when he launched a military uprising against the left-wing Republican government. His ensuing regime imposed censorship, targeted minorities, enforced ideological indoctrination and carried out executions of political opponents.
Subscribe to the Weekly Newsletter from Spain in English
Hoy el ministro @avtorresp ha presentado la campaña comunicativa de #50Enlibertad.
Además, 480 nuevas actividades en todo el país, con la colaboración de Delegaciones y Subdelegaciones.
📄https://t.co/4v2RyQmPPF#EspañaEnLibertad#MemoriaEsDemocracia pic.twitter.com/lOOZaIKUc0
— Ministerio P. Territorial y M. Democrática (@territorialgob) November 19, 2025
Click here to get your business activity or services listed on our DIRECTORY.