Marinaleda, a small village in the Sierra Sur of Seville, has become a symbolic destination for the left-wing and nationalist movements in Spain. This weekend, the town will host the Autumn School of Adelante Andalucía, bringing together key figures from across the Spanish political spectrum.
Among those attending are Gabriel Rufián, spokesperson for ERC in Congress, and Oskar Matute, a member of EH Bildu. The event highlights the village’s historical significance as a stronghold of leftist ideals and a hub for political discourse.
Why Marinaleda?
For over 40 years, Marinaleda was led by Juan Manuel Sánchez Gordillo, a pioneering political figure and former mayor who became a symbol of the Andalucian Workers’ Union (SAT). His tenure included notable actions like occupying supermarkets during the financial crisis, as well as wearing striking outfits in the Andalucian Parliament. Sánchez Gordillo stepped down from politics in 2023 due to health issues, but his legacy continues to shape the town’s identity as a bastion of left-wing activism.
Symbol of worker’s struggle
As a town synonymous with workers’ rights and grassroots political activism, Marinaleda continues to attract attention from across Spain. Known for its cooperative-based economy and strong community ties, the town represents an ongoing experiment in socialism and workers’ self-management. For the participants of the Autumn School, Marinaleda stands as a beacon of what is possible when political movements unite to fight for dignity and rights.
A gathering of leftist leaders
This year’s Autumn School will feature a roundtable on “Sovereignties,” where representatives from several nationalist parties, including ERC, EH Bildu, BNG, and the CUP, will discuss their movements. The event, set to culminate with a major rally, will also include Andalucian leaders such as José Ignacio García from Adelante Andalucía and CUP representative Laure Vega. This gathering underscores Marinaleda’s continued relevance as a political focal point, despite its small size of just 2,500 residents.
A sanctuary for left-wing politics
The event is not just a gathering of leftist thinkers but also a celebration of Marinaleda’s unique place in Spanish political history. The town has long been a site for political collaboration, with figures like Pablo Iglesias, Irene Montero, and Toni Valero visiting Marinaleda in recent years to discuss the future of Andalucian politics and the region’s economic struggles.
Marinaleda has frequently hosted events that connect regional Andalucian movements with broader nationalist causes. In 2017, Sánchez Gordillo publicly supported Catalonia’s independence referendum and symbolically raised the Catalan estelada flag at the town hall. This act, combined with his long-standing fight for workers’ rights, has cemented the town’s status as a rallying point for left-wing and nationalist movements across Spain.
A meeting point for nationalists and progressives
Adelante Andalucía’s collaboration with nationalist parties like ERC and EH Bildu is not new. Despite avoiding direct calls for Andalucian independence, Teresa Rodríguez and her party have sought to model their political strategies on these groups, aiming to influence national policies in Madrid. The Andalucian movement has aligned itself with other nationalist groups to push for greater autonomy and social reforms.
Despite these efforts, Adelante Andalucía has struggled electorally in recent years. While the party won two seats in the regional parliament, it performed poorly in both the 2023 municipal and general elections. Nevertheless, the party remains committed to advocating for Andalucian interests and continues to work alongside other nationalist and regionalist movements, including the CUP, BNG, and Compromís.