The moles topos

1939-?

The moles(los topos)

CONTEXT

After the victory of the Francoist faction in the Spanish Civil War in 1939, a dictatorship led by Francisco Franco was established. The Franco regime was characterized by authoritarianism, repressive policies, and an attempt to eradicate any form of political opposition. As a result, individuals who had supported the Republican side during the war, including politicians, military personnel, intellectuals, and activists, faced severe persecution by the Francoist authorities. Many of them were arrested or executed.

CONTEXT

The motivations for hiding were varied. Some wanted to avoid being detained for their past political activities, others feared for their lives due to regime reprisals, while others simply tought to protect their families and themselves from political persecution. In this context, topos emerged individuals who lived in hiding, often with the assistance of family members, friends, or sympathizers who shared their opposition to the Francoist regime. "Topos" faced enormous risks living in clandestinity, but for many, it was the only way to protect themselves from regime repression and to keep alive the hope for political change in Spain.

some hidding places

Caves or mountains(makis)

Houses of familiars or friends

abandoned farms or stables

Metro

Churches

Duration

Some "topos" managed to stay hidden for decades, while others were discovered quickly.Manuel Cortés Quero, the last Republican mayor of Mijas (Málaga), remained in hiding between 1937 and 1969. Eulogio de Vega, the socialist mayor of Rueda (Valladolid), emerged from hiding in 1964, suggesting he remained hidden for several years. Protasio Montalvo, the socialist mayor of Cercedilla, remained in hiding until 1977, indicating he was hidden for 38 years.

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