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Terrassa witch trials facts for kids

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The Terrassa witch trials were a series of events that happened in Terrassa, a city in what is now Spain, between 1615 and 1619. During this time, six women from Terrassa were accused of being witches. They were found guilty and sentenced to death on October 27, 1619.

Why the Terrassa Witch Trials Happened

Before the trials began, Terrassa faced many challenges. There were big differences between rich and poor people. The city also had many money problems. People were struggling to make a living.

Blaming Witches for Bad Luck

At this time, people often blamed witches for bad things. If there was a drought or a frost, they thought witches caused it. If animals or children died, witches were often blamed. This was because the Church's ideas had changed. They now saw supernatural events as the work of witches.

Witch Trials in Spain

Spain actually had fewer witch trials than other parts of Europe. The Spanish Inquisition, a powerful religious court, had set rules for witchcraft cases. These rules were often milder than in other countries. The Terrassa trials happened during a time when witch fears were very strong, between 1618 and 1622. After this period, witch trials in Spain almost stopped completely.

Local Beliefs in Terrassa

Even with milder rules, many people in Terrassa were very worried. They truly believed witches were living among them. Local stories said that groups of women met with the devil. They supposedly danced wildly and gave themselves to the devil. Some historians think these meetings, if they happened, might have been for women to talk. They could have discussed family problems or health issues together.

The Trials Begin

In this time of fear, a woman named Joana Ferré was accused of witchcraft in Terrassa in 1615. Ten other women were also accused with her.

First Trial in Barcelona

On July 2, 1615, the Holy Office in Barcelona asked for the accused women. They wanted them brought to the capital city. Out of the 11 women accused, only three were put in prison. Their names were Margarida Cotilla, Micaela Casanovas, and Guillermina Font. The other women were allowed to go back to Terrassa. Some even fled to other cities. Those who returned to Terrassa were still suspected of witchcraft. They continued to be watched closely.

Second Trial in Terrassa

The town was still very scared and upset. So, on December 26, 1618, Terrassa officials invited a "witch hunter." His name was Joan Font from Sellent. They agreed to pay him with public money. With his help, they formed a special court on May 23, 1619. This court included the Mayor and his advisors.

This court arrested and found six women guilty. Some of these women had been released by the Inquisition just a few years before. The names of these women were Margarida Cotilla, Joana de Toy, Joana Sabina, Micaela Casanovas, Eulàlia Totxa, and Guillermina Font.

Strange Accusations

The accusations against these women were quite unusual. For example, Margarida Tafanera was accused by her own brother. He claimed she had bewitched his wife. He said this was so they couldn't have children. He thought Margarida wanted to inherit all his money. The women were also accused of harming animals. They were blamed for bewitching people and even for murder.

Joan Font, the witch hunter, told the Mayor and his advisors something strange. He said he washed the backs of Joana Toy and Margarida Tafanera with holy water. He claimed he found a special mark. He said this was the sign the Devil used to mark his witches.

Margarida Tafanera confessed to being a witch. She likely did this after being tortured. She named a French woman, Joana Ferres, as their teacher. Margarida said they often met at Joana Toy's house. She also claimed they rubbed their armpits and other body parts. Then, they would fly through the air. They would meet under a pine tree with a demon. This demon supposedly looked like a handsome young man in red clothes.

When Joana Toy was questioned, she said she was French. She also said she was the sister of Joan de la Boqueria. At first, she denied being a witch. She also said she didn't know the other accused women. But after torture, Joana confirmed Margarida Tafanera's story. She added that another French woman, Perona, taught her witchcraft.

Prison and Execution

The accused women were held in the castle of Terrassa. They were also tortured there. The Inquisition could not hold another trial. So, the women stayed in the 'Torre del Palacio' (Palace Tower). They remained there until the civil court could hold its trial.

Once they were found guilty, their sentence was read out loud. Five of the women were hanged. This happened in an area called 'Pedra Blanca'. It was near where a railway bridge is today. The date was October 27, 1619. The women who were executed were Margarida Tafanera, Eulalia Totxa, Joana Sabina, Guillermina Font, and Miquela Casanovas. To this day, no one knows what happened to Joana Toy.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Caza de brujas en Tarrasa para niños

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