ciadoncha; ¡cuántos recuerdos - Webpages at SCU - Santa Clara ...

Historic Context
In 1954, the government realized that closing the borders brought nothing more
than poverty. Therefore, they began the phase of International opening. Upon the
beginning of the guerra fría (Cold War), Franco realized that he had to leave behind
many of the practices that he had copied from the Italian Fascism, such as greeting with a
raised arm, the obligatory hymns such as “Cara al sol” and the massive concentrations
such as when he inaugurated the Ciudad Universitaria in 1943. He emphasized his bond
with the Catholic Church and his anticommunist position. As a result, this brought about
a new friendship- that of with the United States. Thanks to this international opening, the
economic situation in Spain began to get better (Monlau, 2006).
Many participants began to distribute the Americans milk. This was another
motive for the girls to leave class. They had to go prepare the milk that they later had to
distribute to everyone in school (Personal interview, 2005).
After the phase of the international opening, that lasted from 1954 to 1960, came
the phase of development. This was during the fabulous 1970s. The presence of foreign
tourists was seen in Spain. This presence, especially those of the Swedes, caused a great
sensation for all that they taught on the beaches. The arrival of the television changed the
habitats of the population that no longer remained stuck to the radio, but instead gathered
around the TV either in their homes or in the “teleclubs” (cafeteria or bar-like places
where people would go to watch television).
Boys Promotion 1958-1964
Photo provided by Arcadio Varona
Nevertheless, Ciadoncha maintained its modesty. The uncoverings were seen on
the television and were somewhat foreign to them. It is interesting to see the photos of
the different classes of children in the schools of Ciadoncha. The economic situation that
crossed the country is reflected in the children’s faces and form of dress.
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