International Women’s Day Stories: The 1933 Burning of Arminda de Jesus for Witchcraft in Soalhaes, Portugal

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episode, Harmful Practices Related to Accusations of Witchcraft and Ritual Attacks, International Women’s Day, Portugal

This International Women’s Day, we revisit the story of Arminda de Jesus, a 32-year-old mother accused of witchcraft in 1933 Portugal. Through our interview with Dr. Inês Tadeu from the University of Madeira, we present the historical facts of this little-known case from the village of Soalhães. Dr. Tadeu’s research through trial records and newspaper accounts provides context for understanding how witchcraft accusations persisted into the 20th century. Arminda’s case, occurring just 22 years after the first International Women’s Day, illustrates the ongoing threat faced by women accused of witchcraft globally.

Content warning: Contains descriptions of violence.