Pau Sans y Guitart, a notable figure in Catalonia's late 19th-century political and cultural landscape, will be honoured with a commemorative plaque at Montjuïc Cemetery on 14 November at 12:00. This event is part of a series of tributes aimed at recovering the legacy of the esteemed engineer, university professor, and political leader, who was deeply committed to Catalan nationalism and the workers' movement.
The ceremony, organised by the Centre d'Estudis de L'Hospitalet (CELH) and Òmnium Cultural, coincides with the 125th anniversary of Sans's death. It will feature a speech by historian Manuel Domínguez, a member of the Centre d'Estudis, who will reflect on Sans's significant contributions. Additionally, Montserrat Monrós from the Colectivo Verba will read some of his poetry, accompanied by musical performances from Carina Pinto.
To facilitate attendance, a bus will depart from Avenida de Álvarez de Castro in L'Hospitalet at 11:00. Those interested in reserving a seat can do so by emailing hospitaletdellobregat@omnium.cat.
Pau Sans was a key advocate for political autonomy and the official recognition of the Catalan language, famously signing the 1888 'Mensaje a la Reina Regente', which called for greater self-governance. He also played a pivotal role in the drafting of the 'Bases de Manresa', regarded as the first proposal for an autonomy statute for Catalonia. In the cultural sphere, he was a founding member of the Casino l'Harmonia in L'Hospitalet and actively participated in the Renaixença, a cultural revival movement. Sans was also a juror in the Juegos Florales, alongside notable figures such as Jacint Verdaguer and Àngel Guimerà, and was involved in poetry and theatre.
