Spain: National Day highlights territorial unity from Barcelona to Ceuta
Spain's National Day on Monday, 12 October, was marked by demonstrations in Barcelona in support of Spanish unity, while far-right leader Santiago Abascal visited Ceuta, the Spanish enclave on the North African coast.
On Spain's National Day, the nation celebrated its territorial unity from Barcelona's bustling streets to Ceuta's North African shores. In Barcelona, approximately 2,000 demonstrators displayed their solidarity with Ceuta by waving Spanish and Ceuta flags at a rally. The rally was fueled by the rallying cry "Catalonia with Ceuta, one Spain."
Meanwhile, Vox leader Santiago Abascal chose to mark the occasion in Ceuta, laying a wreath in honor of those who gave their lives for Spain. Abascal opted to visit Ceuta instead of attending the military parade in Madrid, highlighting the ongoing debate over Ceuta's status.
Ceuta's relevance to the national discourse has been reignited by the issue of migration. Over 70,000 individuals crossed from Morocco into Ceuta on July 30 and 31, with many initially returning but thousands remaining, straining local resources. On Sunday, over 350 police officers, supported by soldiers, cleared the last significant migrant encampment at El Guano.
King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were set to visit Ceuta on Sunday, making their first trip to the enclaves since 2007. The royal couple's visit underscores the importance of these territories within Spain's national identity.
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