Dolores Ibárruri

Isidora Dolores Ibárruri Gómez, famously known as "Pasionaria," was born on December 9, 1895, and passed away on November 12, 1989. She emerged as a prominent figure during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) as a fervent Republican advocate and a dedicated communist politician. Ibárruri is especially remembered for her rallying cry, ¡No Pasarán! ("They shall not pass"), which became a symbol of resistance during the pivotal Battle for Madrid in November 1936.

A member of the Spanish Communist Party (Partido Comunista Español) since its inception in 1920, she utilized her writing skills as a journalist for the PCE's publication, Mundo Obrero, throughout the 1930s. Her political career took flight when she was elected to the Cortes Generales as a deputy representing Asturias in February 1936. Following her exile at the conclusion of the Civil War in 1939, she ascended to the role of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the PCE, a leadership position she held from 1944 until 1960. Thereafter, she was appointed honorary president of the PCE, a title she maintained for the remainder of her life.

After years in exile, Ibárruri returned to Spain in 1977, where she regained her political seat as a deputy for Asturias, echoing her earlier tenure during the Spanish Second Republic. Her legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and dedication to her ideals.