7th EDITION OF THE FRENCH-SPANISH MEETINGS

The 7th edition of the French-Spanish Meetings 1936/2026: Awakening Memories will take place in Montpellier from October 8 to 13, 2026.

This event, at the crossroads of culture, memory, history, and commitment, will offer you a rich and diverse program: conferences, readings, screenings, testimonies, concerts, recitals, exhibitions...

This year, the 7th edition has exceptional significance as it will host Fernando Lopez Martinez, Secretary of State for Spanish Democratic Memory, on October 8 at 6:30 PM at the Nelson Mandela International Relations House in Montpellier.

Beyond the recognition of our action, his presence at the opening of the French-Spanish Meetings pays tribute to all those who fought for freedom, against dictatorship, often at the peril of their lives.

On the program:

October 8 – 6:30 PM | Nelson Mandela International Relations House:
Opening with a short film "Between Two Borders, A Memory," followed by a conference: Juan Miro, figure of resistance and freedom, by Maria Josep Balsach and Peig (University of Girona).

October 9 – 6:30 PM | Pétrarque Hall:
Conference: Spaniards in France in the 20th Century, an overview of migration by Pierre Berlan (writer, history professor in Montpellier).
Recital/Testimony of Spanish exiles to Argentina in 1938 by Maria Martinez Persico (University of Udine), granddaughter of an exile to Argentina, accompanied by actor Alexandre Pratlong and Argentine singer-guitarist Manuel Amelong.

October 10 - 2:30 PM | Émile Zola Central Media Library:
Federico García Lorca, a symbol of the commitment to repression and the erasure of memory.
Screening of a film in the presence of director Magali Negroni (Federico García Lorca 1898-1936),
Sculptural interpretation of Lorca's work by artist Janine Delpeuch.
The rewriting of history by the victors by Antonio Orihuela (Moguer),
Round table on the theme of mass graves in Spain and France with Enrique Tudela (University of Granada) and Léa Baril (University of Grenoble).
Followed by a recital to give voice to the texts and popular Andalusian songs from Lorca to Gardel... by the group DIVANGO.

October 12 – 6:30 PM | Pétrarque Hall:
Opening: Sound creation "With All the Undesirables" Awarded at the “For Memories” competition organized by the Rivesaltes Camp Memorial. Created by students from the Memory and Solidarity class at Gérard-Philipe College.
"Refugees: What We Are Not Told" by Najat Vallaud Belkacem (President of France Terre d'Asile).
Closing with readings: Amparo POCH by Manuela PARRA - excerpt from her book Letters to the Absent, imaginary correspondences of women in resistance (Éditions Chèvre-feuille étoilée 2026) - "Emigrant" Poem by the Spanish resistance fighter from Montpellier Joan PUIG PLANES by Lina ANGLES.

October 13 – 2:30 PM | Paul Valéry University Montpellier, Saint-Charles site auditorium:
Screening of the film "7 Days" in the presence of artist director Isaias Griñolo.

Find all practical information and plan your visit.