First issue of La Solidaridad published in Barcelona

Background. La Solidaridad was an organization created in Spain on December 13, 1888, headed by Galicano Apacible. It issued a newspaper of the same name, published in Barcelona. Graciano López Jaena, a Filipino journalist and reformist, was well known for this newspaper. The publication served as a key instrument for the Propaganda Movement, aiming to further damage the friars' influence and authority in the Philippines.

Editorial Transition. Marcelo H. del Pilar arrived in Barcelona on January 1, 1889, after leaving Manila in October 1888 due to banishment. On December 15, 1889, del Pilar succeeded Graciano López Jaena as the editor of La Solidaridad. This transition marked a shift in the newspaper's direction, with del Pilar continuing to publish articles advocating for Philippine representation and liberties.

Early Content. In April 1889, La Solidaridad published a letter entitled 'The aspirations of the Filipinos', written by the Asociación Hispano-Filipina de Madrid. Del Pilar also wrote a letter to Rizal in February 1889, praising the young women of Malolos. These publications reflected the movement's goals of abolishing obstacles to liberties and pursuing ideals shared by Filipinos in Spain.