Nationwide Mobilization: A Wave of Solidarity Driven by FEMP
On ‘Ceuta Day,’ September 2nd, a massive solidarity campaign took place across Spain. The event, themed “For Ceuta” (Por Ceuta), was initiated by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces (FEMP) in collaboration with the non-profit organization Foro Ceuta Siglo XXI.
According to official figures, over 260 municipal governments answered the call, holding simultaneous rallies in the evening. Most cities scheduled their events for 8:00 PM, aiming to send a unified message of support to Ceuta from all corners of Spain.
Ceuta: The Epicenter March
As the heart of the campaign, the city of Ceuta held the only large-scale march at 7:00 PM, an hour earlier than most of mainland Spain. The procession began at the local landmark, the Royal Walls (Murallas Reales), moved through the main streets of the city center, and concluded at Plaza de los Reyes, where the Government Delegation is located. This march was the focal point of the entire solidarity movement.
Responses Across Spain: Rally Times and Locations in Major Cities
Beyond Ceuta, major cities and towns across Spain held rallies during the same time frame, mostly in front of city halls or in central squares. The specific arrangements were as follows:
Madrid: Two Simultaneous Rallies
At 8:00 PM, Madrid hosted two significant events:
- Plaza de Cibeles: An official institutional event organized by the Madrid City Council in front of the CentroCentro building. The event’s classification was previously debated, but the Government Delegation ultimately clarified that while it couldn’t be registered as a ‘demonstration,’ it could proceed as an official event.
- In front of the Congress of Deputies: Another rally, organized by citizens, took place concurrently in front of the Spanish Parliament building.
Additionally, over 30 municipalities in the Community of Madrid participated, including Alcalá de Henares and Móstoles, with most events scheduled for 8:00 PM. The sole exception was Navacerrada, which held its rally at 12:00 PM.
Other Major Cities
Political Divides: Dissenting Voices Despite a Call for Unity
Despite the enthusiastic response from local governments, the nationwide campaign did not receive unanimous support from Spain’s political establishment. The People’s Party (PP) and Vox explicitly backed the initiative, while Podemos and the United Left (Izquierda Unida) refused to participate.
The ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) also showed internal division, with some local governments and party representatives led by them choosing to attend the rallies. Faced with this complex political landscape, the President of the Autonomous City of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, made a public appeal, hoping the movement would transcend partisan and ideological lines, with the core objective of securing the unity and support of all of Spain for Ceuta.
