While the Salem witch trials of the late 17th century are widely recognized, many remain unaware that similar waves of hysteria swept across northern Europe during the same era. Catalonia, Spain, was an early site for these intense persecutions. In a significant effort to address this dark chapter of history, the regional government recently took steps to honor those who were falsely accused and executed.
In late 2021, the Catalonian parliament passed a landmark measure to grant posthumous pardons to more than 700 individuals—primarily women—who were executed for witchcraft between the 15th and 18th centuries. The resolution also encourages local authorities to commemorate these victims by renaming streets and public spaces in their honor. The initiative passed with strong support, receiving 114 votes in favor and only 21 against.
“We are the heirs of the witches, the poisoners, and the healers,” said Jenn Díaz, a member of the Catalonian parliament, in an interview with Vice News. She emphasized the historical link between these past witch hunts and modern-day femicide, stating, “We seek reparation and a deeper understanding that our history is not as far removed as we often assume.”
Historical records suggest that between 1580 and 1630, approximately 50,000 people were executed for witchcraft across Europe, with women accounting for 80 percent of the casualties. In Catalonia, these hunts were often fueled by local superstition and the influence of feudal lords, particularly following natural disasters, poor harvests, or mysterious infant deaths.
The victims were frequently independent women or those skilled in traditional herbal medicine. Under local feudal law, a mere confession—often coerced—was sufficient to secure a conviction. While the Inquisition often intervened and released suspects due to insufficient evidence, those who remained under local jurisdiction faced brutal ends. Rather than wasting wood for burning, most were executed by hanging.
Catalonia joins other European regions in attempting to reconcile with this tragic past. Switzerland granted a posthumous pardon to a woman accused of witchcraft in 2008, and in 2011, Norway established a memorial in Vardø to honor its own victims of witch trials.
