Jaurès, a living heritage in Castres
Born in Castres in 1859, Jean Jaurès marked his time with his political commitment, his humanism and his fight for social justice. His pantheonization on November 23, 1924, inscribed him in national memory. To celebrate this anniversary, the tribune's hometown organized a series of events under the leadership of the Jean Jaurès National Center and Museum.
Joëlle Arches, chief heritage curator and director of the Castres museums, looks back on this year of tributes:
“We wanted to highlight the different facets of Jaurès: the intimate man, attached to his native land and his family, the philosopher, the journalist, but also the tireless activist for peace and workers’ rights.”
The intimate Jaurès exhibition revealed letters, photos and personal objects never before exhibited. To this were added conferences and meetings exploring the role of Jaurès in key moments in history, such as the Dreyfus affair or the workers' struggles of Carmaux.
The conference, the highlight of the Jaurès year
Chaired by Gilles Candar, historian and president of the Society of Jaurès Studies, the conference brought together specialists to revisit the symbolic significance and controversies surrounding the pantheonization of Jaurès.
Max Assié, scientific advisor to the CNMJJ and president of the Federation of Cultural and Intellectual Associations of Tarn, underlines:
“This conference is a chance to collectively reflect on the legacy of Jaurès. His pantheonization sparked debate at the time, but today it symbolizes the universality of his values.”
For Jean-Philippe Audouy, deputy mayor of Castres responsible for culture, Jaurès is an asset for the city:
“To celebrate Jaurès is to honor an intellectual and moral heritage. Through him, the entire city of Castres has entered the Pantheon.”
A Jaurès for the new generations
One of the challenges of this year of commemorations was to make Jaurès accessible to younger generations. As a humanist and pacifist, his message particularly resonates in the current context.
“We seek to transmit the legacy of Jaurès through adapted educational tools, highlighting his fights for peace and social justice”explains Joëlle Arches.
According to Max Assié, the success of the conferences with young people demonstrates a renewed interest in this historical figure.
“The values of Jaurès respond to the deep aspirations of our time, particularly among 20-30 year olds.”
A multiple and timeless character
Jean Jaurès is both professor and philosopher, journalist and orator, farmer and activist. This multiplicity makes it timeless, capable of interacting with varied audiences.
“Jaurès is a model of integrity and commitment. He reminds us that politics can serve the human ideal”concludes Gilles Candar.
In Castres, his legacy is perpetuated through the collections and initiatives of the Jean Jaurès National Center and Museum, which welcomes researchers and curious people every year.
A centenary to rethink the universality of Jaurès
A century after his entry into the Pantheon, Jean Jaurès continues to embody a France focused on peace, justice and fraternity. Through the tributes paid in 2024, Castres shows how this man remains a source of inspiration for today and tomorrow.
