BIOGRAPHY

Atilana García Holgado was born in Mayalde, Zamora, Castile and León, Spain, on 5 October 1912, as the eldest of three sisters. She married Rafael Mesonero and had a daughter and two sons, who were 88, 84, and 75 years old as of October 2022. She also had four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Widowed at 40, she was left to raise three children, though she had given birth to five—two of whom passed away at a young age. Her surviving children emigrated to Germany, and she traveled there to visit them.

On her 110th birthday, her granddaughter remarked, “She is kept alive by her vitality and positive attitude towards everything.” Known for her cheerful and optimistic nature, she had a passion for traditional dances and even taught several dance groups. Although she had hoped to pursue a career in dressmaking, life led her in different directions.

In October 2022, she celebrated her 110th birthday at her 88-year-old son’s home in Mayalde, continuing the tradition of eating bollo maimón on her celebrations. The celebration had to be postponed for a few days because she was recovering in the hospital on October 5th. Three months before her passing, she moved to Peleas de Abajo. Until then, she had been cared for by her children.

Atilana García Holgado passed away in Peleas de Abajo, Zamora, Castile and León, Spain on 17 July 2023 at the age of 110 years, 285 days.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Los 110 años de la zamorana Atilana García” – La Opinión de Zamora, 22 October 2022

* “Adiós a la dama del Charro de Mayalde“– La Opinión de Zamora, 18 July 2023

GALLERY