A conference at the UB places the European epicentre of witch-hunting in Catalonia
The conference is led by Pau Castell, professor of Medieval History at the UB, a recognized expert in the history of witchcraft, and some of the leading international researchers, such as Marina Montesano, Martine Ostorero and Constanza Cavallero, will take part in it. The inauguration will be given by Michael D. Bailey, professor at Iowa State University, a world authority on the study of this subject, with the talk “The rise of witch-hunting in Europe”. Castell pointed out that the conference will serve to place the Pyrenees on the general map of the origins of witch-hunting in Europe.
Among the featured lectures, the programme includes some on the persecution of witches in different regions of Europe, the social and political implications of this practice, and the analysis of key historical sources. The conference will also feature a panel discussion on the representation of witches in contemporary popular culture.
Special programme to commemorate the six hundred years of the Ordinacions de les Valls d’Àneu
At the same time, a special programme to commemorate the sixth centenary of the Ordinacions de les Valls d’Àneu, the oldest text in Europe in this field, will be held in different towns in these valleys of Pallars Sobirà. This document, which established the legal basis for the persecution of witchcraft in the region, is an important testimony to medieval European history. The activities include exhibitions, lectures, guided tours and historical re-enactments that will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of medieval witchcraft.
One of the most notorious events is the exhibition of ritual objects, together with the dramatization of 15th century witchcraft trials. These re-enactments provide a detailed insight into the trials and the consequences of witchcraft accusations, while highlighting the prejudice and injustice suffered by many women throughout history.
The IRCVM stresses that these proposals not only aim to remember a dark past, but also to reflect on these prejudices and the persecution of women unjustly accused of practising witchcraft. In addition, the events scheduled in the Valls d’Àneu include educational workshops and roundtables to analyse the influence of witchcraft on contemporary culture and society.
The organizers hope that these initiatives will help to demystify the phenomenon of witchcraft and promote a deeper understanding of its impact on European history and culture. With the combination of the academic rigour of the conference at the UB and the immersive atmosphere of the celebrations in the Valls d’Àneu, both scholars and the general public will enjoy an enriching and educational experience. The activities serve to remember the past, and also commemorate the resistance and strength of the undeservedly persecuted women.
Registration (deadline 30 June) is mandatory to attend the conference. The general registration fee is eighty euros, with a reduction of forty euros for students, unemployed and retired people, while it is reduced to twenty euros for members of the CCVÀ, the IRCVM and the Association for Interdisciplinary Research and Dissemination in Medieval Cultures (ARDIT). Registration includes transport between Barcelona and Esterri d’Àneu, as well as a copy of the book La cacera de bruixes a les Valls d’Àneu.