Famous Spanish Activists

Buenaventura Durruti was a Spanish insurrectionary and anarcho-syndicalist militant known for his involvement with the CNT and the FAI before and during the Spanish Civil War. He played a significant role in the Spanish Revolution of 1936, where he emerged as a prominent figure within the anarchist movement. Durruti's professional life was characterized by his dedication to revolutionary activism, his leadership in organizing workers, and his commitment to fighting against oppressive systems, making him a revered hero within anarchist circles.

Princess María Teresa of Bourbon-Parma was a renowned French-Spanish political activist and academic. She was a prominent member of the House of Bourbon-Parma, a branch of the Spanish royal family. Known for her socialist activism, she earned the nickname Red Princess, while also supporting the Carlist movement as a monarchist. Her career was marked by a dedication to social causes and political engagement. She made significant contributions to both academia and activism, leaving a lasting impact on the political landscape.

Ada Colau Ballano is a Spanish activist and politician known for her tenure as the Mayor of Barcelona from 2015 to 2023. She made history as the first woman to hold this office. Colau's professional life is characterized by her involvement in the citizen municipalist platform, Barcelona En Comú, where she served as Mayor. Prior to her political career, she co-founded and advocated for the Plataforma de Afectados por la Hipoteca (PAH), a platform aimed at assisting people affected by mortgages during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis.

Leticia Dolera is a versatile Spanish actress, screenwriter, and director. She has showcased her talent in various roles, including portraying Clara in the horror film REC 3: Genesis, Teresa in Imagining Argentina, and Carmen in the UK television series Mad Dogs. Dolera has demonstrated her skills both in front of and behind the camera, making a mark in the entertainment industry. With a diverse range of performances, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of film and television.

Concepción Arenal was a prominent figure in Spanish feminism, known for her contributions as a graduate in law, thinker, journalist, poet, and Galician dramatic author. She excelled in literature and made history as the first woman to attend university in Spain. A trailblazer and pioneer in the feminist movement, she played a key role in advocating for women's rights and gender equality. Her work within the literary Realism genre further solidified her reputation as a groundbreaking and influential figure in Spanish intellectual and feminist circles.

Lucio Urtubia Jiménez was a Spanish anarchist known for his practice of expropriative anarchism through forgery. He carried out bank robberies and forgeries in the 1960s and 1970s, often likened to Robin Hood. Urtubia was involved in a significant scam against the First National City Bank, distributing counterfeit traveler's checks across Europe and Latin America between 1980 and 1982. His actions aimed to raise funds to support struggling individuals. Urtubia's professional life was marked by bold and unconventional methods in pursuit of his anarchist beliefs.

Roi Méndez Martínez is a talented Spanish singer and guitarist known for his captivating performances. He has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry, showcasing his exceptional vocal abilities and guitar skills. Roi has garnered a strong following of fans who appreciate his unique style and soulful voice. With a successful career in music, he has released several hit songs and collaborated with other artists, solidifying his reputation as a skilled and versatile musician.

Genoveva Forest Tarrat was a Spanish far-left activist, writer, and prisoner. She studied medicine in Madrid and supported the Basque separatist group ETA during the 1970s. Forest was imprisoned for complicity in the Cafetería Rolando bombing in 1974. Following Spain's transition to democracy, she served as a senator from 1992 to 1993. Forest's writings were politically charged, focusing on topics such as political violence, resistance, and torture. Her notable works include "Operación Ogro" and "Testimonios de lucha y resistencia."

África Lorente Castillo was a Spanish teacher, politician, and activist known for her involvement with the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party. She served as a member of the Catalan Parliament from 1984 to 1988 and as Deputy Mayor of Castelldefels from 1987 to 2003. Throughout her career, Lorente Castillo was dedicated to advocating for social justice and equality. Her contributions to education, politics, and activism left a lasting impact on the communities she served before her passing in 2020.