Dolores Ibarruri

Date of Birth: December 9, 1895

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: November 12, 1989

Biography

Dolores Ibárruri, known as “La Pasionaria,” was a prominent Spanish Communist politician and one of the most influential female figures in 20th-century Spain. Born Dolores Ibárruri Gómez on December 9, 1895, in Gallarta, a mining town in the Basque Country, she rose to prominence through her powerful oratory and steadfast commitment to the Communist cause. Ibárruri’s early life was marked by hardship; she was the eighth of eleven children in a poor family. She initially trained to be a seamstress but became politically active after marrying Julián Ruiz Gabiña, a miner and socialist. She joined the Communist Party of Spain (PCE) in 1920 and quickly became known for her stirring speeches, earning the nickname “La Pasionaria” (The Passionflower). During the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939), Ibárruri became an iconic figure for the Republican cause. Her impassioned cry of “¡No Pasarán!” (“They shall not pass!”) became a rallying slogan against the fascist forces of General Francisco Franco. Throughout the war, she tirelessly supported the Republican troops and worked to boost morale among the civilian population. After the defeat of the Republicans, Ibárruri went into exile, first in the Soviet Union and later in other European countries. Despite being far from her homeland, she continued to be an influential figure in the Communist movement, serving as Secretary-General of the PCE from 1942 to 1960 and as its Honorary President from 1960 until her death. Ibárruri returned to Spain in 1977, following the death of Franco and the subsequent transition to democracy. She was elected to the Spanish Parliament in the first democratic elections, symbolizing the resilience of the anti-fascist cause she had championed. Dolores Ibárruri died on November 12, 1989, in Madrid, Spain.

5 Interesting Facts about Dolores Ibarruri

1. Dolores Ibárruri’s famous slogan “¡No Pasarán!” became one of the most enduring symbols of anti-fascist resistance.

2. She was the first woman to hold a significant leadership position within the Communist Party of Spain.

3. Ibárruri spent nearly four decades in exile, primarily in the Soviet Union, after the Spanish Civil War.

4. She was elected to the Spanish Parliament in 1977, one of the first democratic elections after Franco’s dictatorship.

5. Despite her Communist beliefs, she was respected across the political spectrum for her dedication to social justice and equality.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dolores Ibarruri

1. “It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.”

2. “The struggle must be relentless, constant, and comprehensive.”

3. “We are not mere numbers, we are the force that will bring change.”

4. “You will not pass! Fascism shall not pass!”

5. “I am a revolutionary, and I know that we must fight for a world where all men and women can live with dignity.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Dolores Ibárruri was not known for personal wealth; her highest net worth cannot be quantified in financial terms but rather in her influence and legacy in political and social movements.

Children

Dolores Ibárruri had six children, though only two survived to adulthood. Her son, Rubén Ruiz Ibárruri, died heroically during the Battle of Stalingrad while serving in the Red Army. Her daughter, Amaya Ruiz Ibárruri, survived her and continued to be involved in political activities.