Spain marks National Day with unity rallies and royal visits to Ceuta and Melilla
On Spain's National Day, demonstrations in Barcelona and a visit to Ceuta underscored Spain's territorial unity amid renewed tensions over migration and Morocco's claim to Ceuta. Thousands rallied in support of Spain's sovereignty, while authorities cleared migrant camps ahead of royal visits to Ceuta and Melilla.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
Spain’s National Day was marked by demonstrations and official visits emphasizing the country’s territorial unity, particularly concerning the North African enclave of Ceuta.
In Barcelona, around 2,000 people rallied under the slogan “Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain,” waving Spanish and Ceuta flags to support Spain’s territorial integrity.
Meanwhile, Vox party leader Santiago Abascal chose to commemorate the day in Ceuta, laying a wreath for those who died for Spain, rather than attending the military parade in Madrid.
Ceuta has been under renewed scrutiny due to migration pressures and Morocco’s sovereignty claims. In late July, over 70,000 people crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, with thousands remaining and straining local resources.
Authorities recently cleared the last major migrant camp at El Guano with a large police and military operation, just days before King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia’s scheduled visit to Ceuta and Melilla—their first since 2007.