The 16th episode of the series 'La mémoire des vaincus: histoires intimes de la guerre d'Espagne' examines the concept of 'Les fiancés de la mort' (The Fiancés of Death), a term used by Francoist propaganda to glorify soldiers who died for the Nationalist cause. The episode, aired on July 27, 2026, analyzes how this rhetoric served to legitimize the regime's violent ideology.
According to historical records, the phrase 'novios de la muerte' was originally used by the Spanish Legion during the Rif War (1920s) and later appropriated by Franco's forces during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The regime promoted a cult of death, presenting sacrifice as a patriotic duty and framing the war as a crusade against communism.
The episode features testimonies from survivors and historians, who argue that this ideology justified mass executions and repression after the war. The series, produced by French public radio, aims to recover the memory of those who suffered under Franco's dictatorship, which lasted until 1975.
