Guernica facts for kids

Guernica is a historic town in the Basque Country, a region in northern Spain. Its full name is Gernika-Lumo in Basque, or Guernica y Luno in Spanish. The town is famous worldwide because of a very important painting by Pablo Picasso, also called Guernica, which shows the terrible events that happened there during the Spanish Civil War.

What is Guernica?

Guernica is a town located in the province of Biscay, which is part of the Basque Country in northern Spain. It's a place with a rich history and a strong sense of identity. The town is known for its unique traditions and its role in Basque culture.

The Famous Tree of Guernica

One of the most important symbols of Guernica is the Tree of Guernica (known as Gernikako Arbola in Basque). This ancient oak tree is not just any tree; it represents the freedom and special rights of the Basque people. For centuries, leaders from the region would meet under this tree to make important decisions and swear their oaths. Even today, new presidents of the Basque Country come to the tree to take their oath of office, showing how important this tradition still is.

Guernica's History and the Bombing

Guernica has a long history, but it became known around the world because of a tragic event that happened during the Spanish Civil War. On April 26, 1937, the town was bombed by German and Italian air forces, who were helping one side in the war. This attack caused a lot of destruction and loss of life.

The bombing of Guernica was one of the first times in history that a civilian town was heavily bombed from the air. News of this event shocked people all over the world.

Picasso's Guernica Painting

The famous artist Pablo Picasso was deeply moved by the bombing of Guernica. He decided to create a huge painting to show the horror and suffering caused by the attack. This painting, also called Guernica, is one of the most famous artworks of the 20th century. It uses powerful images to express the pain and chaos of war. The painting became a symbol of peace and a protest against violence. It is now displayed in the Reina Sofía Museum in Madrid, Spain.

Life in Modern Guernica

Today, Guernica is a peaceful town that has rebuilt itself. It is a center for local trade and culture. The town has a lively market, especially on Mondays, where people buy and sell local produce and goods. Guernica also has a special court sport called cesta-punta, which is a fast-paced game played with a basket-like glove.

The town remembers its past but also looks to the future, celebrating its unique Basque heritage and traditions.

Images for kids

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  Tiled wall in Guernica, with an inscription in Basque expressing the wish for Picasso's painting to be in the city.

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  Santa María Church

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  The historic Tree of Guernica at night.

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  A cesta-punta player in action.

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  The bustling Guernica marketplace.

See also

In Spanish: Guernica y Luno para niños