Tolosa has settled a historical debt with the Second Republic on Navarra Avenue. Around fifty residents of Tolosa gathered on Tuesday for a moving re-signification ceremony, promoted by the Cecilia G. de Guilarte Republican Forum and the City Council. Two plaques were unveiled, commemorating the street's origin, which was known as Republic Street from July 21, 1931, to August 21, 1936. The incessant but intermittent rain did not prevent the tricolor flags and the Ikurriña from waving vibrantly.
The event was led by Mayor Andu Martínez de Rituerto, who sought to give a new meaning to the avenue's name. Francoism imposed the current name in honor of the Navarrese rebels, and now, the focus will be on the fact that Navarra is «the cradle of Euskadi», recalling the history of our territory as part of this kingdom. Following the explanation of what this moment and both plaques aimed to make visible, Gloria Larrarte, granddaughter of the foreman of Republic Street, unveiled the first plaque near the bullring.
In a kalejira, with txistularis playing republican songs —including Eusko gudariak, Himno de Riego, and La internacional heard during the act—, the procession moved to the intersection of the street with Avenida de los Fueros. There, the second plaque was unveiled, followed by a reading by Judge Garbiñe Biurrun, also a member of the Tolosa Republican Forum. She recalled the republican government's goals of «liberty, equality, and justice», and the value of the sentiment during those years, not only from opposition to the monarchy but also because the republic «represents values that are always essential, but particularly at the current moment», such as democracy, the absence of unjust economic and social situations, and freedom.
This is the Republic we want. It is our longing, a longing to which we have every right and is not merely an unattainable dream. It is enough for them to let us speak, debate, and decide. These plaques placed today remind us that one day it was possible, and therefore it can also be possible today and tomorrow. We are prepared for it, we continue fighting for it. We continue walking down Republic Street.
Martínez de Rituerto also highlighted the social advances brought by that state model, such as women's suffrage, the eight-hour workday, workers' rights, the revolution in education, and freedom of thought, among others. He also sought to assert «the right we Basques have to decide our future», and reiterated the commitment to continue working towards a «more just Basque society». The event concluded with an agurra performed by two dantzaris and proclamations in favor of the Republic.
The satisfaction within the Cecilia G. de Guilarte Republican Forum of Tolosa was notable throughout the day, as this re-signification can be considered one of the association's greatest achievements in its history. The program for Republic Day will continue this Wednesday with the presentation of the book about the Tolosa war reporter Cecilia G. De Guilarte, war reporter and writer. 1931-1939, written by Julen Lezamiz and Ana Urrutia. It will take place at 7:00 PM in the city hall's plenary hall.
