Maria Mercè Marçal was a prominent Catalan poet, novelist, and feminist born on June 15, 1952, in Barcelona. She is known for her contributions to Catalan literature and her exploration of themes such as identity, gender, and social justice. Marçal's work often reflects her experiences as a woman in a patriarchal society. Throughout her career, Marçal published several acclaimed poetry collections, including "Bruixa de dol" and "El llarg dinar de Nadal." She was also involved in the Catalan independence movement and advocated for women's rights. Marçal passed away on July 5, 1998, leaving a lasting impact on Catalan culture.