Fasnia Honours Emiliano Díaz Castro, Exile Who Died During 1981 Coup Attempt

Fasnia recently held a historically important event, honouring Emiliano Díaz Castro (1901-1981). His life story reflects key moments in 20th-century Spain. What makes his story particularly unique is that he died in Mexico City on February 23, 1981 – the very day of an attempted coup in Spain. He watched the events unfold on television, a moment that symbolically cemented his lifelong commitment to democracy.

Born in Fasnia to a farming family, Díaz Castro showed an interest in politics from a young age. He even served as acting secretary for the town council before he was twenty. He became a leading figure in the Tenerife Socialist Group, rising to general secretary and president. He helped the group gain national recognition during Spain's Second Republic.

His dedication led him to be elected as a deputy for the Popular Front in 1936, having previously run as a candidate for the Left Bloc in 1933. Throughout the Civil War, he consistently attended the Republic's travelling parliament (Cortes), even being present at the final session in Figueres Castle with a small group of fellow politicians. This loyalty resulted in him being convicted in his absence, having his assets seized, and being banned from his profession. His family in Fasnia also faced repression.

After the Republic's defeat, Díaz Castro went into exile in France, where he endured the harsh conditions of concentration camps. In 1942, he managed to escape the Nazi occupation and settled in Mexico, which became his second home. Later in life, he returned to his hometown of Fasnia several times, where he was welcomed and honoured.

The recent tribute included a discussion panel about his life and work, the launch of a biography written by official chronicler Octavio Rodríguez Delgado, and the unveiling of a commemorative bust.