Bilbao Honors Terrorism and Political Violence Victims at ATALASE on Day of Memory
Bilbao held a heartfelt ceremony at the ATALASE memorial on November 10 to honor victims of terrorism and political violence, featuring officials, families, and students in observance of the Day of Memory.
- • Bilbao commemorated victims of terrorism and political violence on November 10, 2025, at the ATALASE memorial.
- • The ceremony included speeches, floral offerings, a moment of silence, and reading of victims' names.
- • Mayor Juan Mari Aburto and Deputy General Elixabete Etxanobe led the tribute by laying a laurel wreath.
- • Students from Ikastola Artxandape read a text emphasizing memory and coexistence.
- • The Day of Memory was established in 2010 and is celebrated annually on November 10, a day without fatal attacks.
Key details
On November 10, 2025, Bilbao observed the Day of Memory with a solemn ceremony at the new ATALASE sculptural space, dedicated to honoring victims of terrorism and political violence. The event, organized by the Ayuntamiento de Bilbao and the Foro Bilbao para la Paz y la Convivencia, brought together family members of victims, political representatives, and citizens in a poignant tribute.
The ceremony took place at ATALASE, a memorial created by artist José Ramón Anda, situated between the Guggenheim Museum and Plaza Euskadi. This new location replaced the former site at Parque de Doña Casilda and features a striking corten steel central structure, five black marble benches, and a plaque commemorating all victims.
Attendees including Bilbao Mayor Juan Mari Aburto and Bizkaia's Deputy General Elixabete Etxanobe laid a laurel wreath at the memorial, followed by floral offerings from family members and participants. A moment of silence was observed, and the names of all victims who lost their lives in Bilbao due to terrorism and political violence were read aloud by six victims' family members in alphabetical order, emphasizing the emotional gravity of the occasion.
Students from Ikastola Artxandape also contributed by reading a reflective text on the importance of preserving collective memory and fostering peaceful coexistence. Among prominent attendees were Amaia Martínez, VOX spokesperson in the Basque Parliament, and Ana Velasco, a member of the Madrid Assembly and a victim of ETA.
The Day of Memory, instituted by Basque institutions in May 2010 and observed annually on November 10 to mark a date free from fatal attacks, serves to promote respect, peace, and remembrance. This year's ceremony at ATALASE symbolized a commitment to healing and unity amid reflecting on the tragic past.
As the event concluded, participants reaffirmed the significance of remembering victims to build a future grounded in coexistence and peace.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.