More than 18,000 people have gathered in Alicante’s Town Hall square and nearby streets in support of Ceuta. The rally, held for Ceuta Day, followed the mass arrival of migrants in Ceuta on 30 July. The turnout extended along nearby streets, including Rafael Altamira, and has been described as the largest demonstration held in the province.

Spanish flags dominated the event, alongside Ceuta’s flag and banners linked to military bodies. Around 30 Ceuta-born residents living in Alicante also attended. Alicante mayor Luis Barcala described the public response as “impressive” and said the city would not leave Ceuta alone. He called on the Spanish Government to provide sufficient resources to protect the rights and freedoms of Ceuta’s residents.

A manifesto read by two Ceuta citizens called for stronger state resources, border security and effective returns, with guarantees, for those who entered Spain illegally. It described Ceuta’s border as Spain’s border and an external border of the European Union. The document also recognised the work of security forces, the armed forces, healthcare workers, public employees, social services, humanitarian organisations and volunteers.

The manifesto rejected hatred, racism and confrontation, while saying human rights must be compatible with legality and security. The event also featured political protests, including chants calling for Pedro Sánchez to resign, and a large Vox banner reading “No to invasion”. It ended with Spain’s national anthem.