On the 10th of October, Manifesta 15, in collaboration with the Residents’ Association of the Sant Joan Baptista neighbourhood in Sant Adrià de Besòs, hosted a gathering of former workers from the Three Chimneys of Sant Adrià at the venue. Over 250 former workers and their families attended this heartfelt event, which began with a floral offering at the entrance.

During the gathering, three former workers shared poignant memories of their experiences with union labour, followed by a visit to the Memory of the Smoke exhibition. The event concluded with a toast, attended by Filo Cañete, the Mayor of Sant Adrià de Besòs, and all those present.

One of the most moving moments was the reading of the poem Yo soy yo y mis compañeros by an anonymous author, a tribute to a former worker who lost his life for his commitment to trade unionism. The poem is provided below.

“Ese día murió Manuel Fernández Márquez, Obrero. Pero no de cansancio, como morimos muchos. Pero no de accidente de trabajo, como seguimos muriendo. Pero no de hambre y de miedo, como quisieran que muriésemos. Murió por gritar que no quería morir por nada de eso. Murió por gritar”