The Autonomous City of Ceuta has suspended the Patron Saint Festivities in honor of the Virgin of Africa, whose inauguration was scheduled for this Saturday, due to the crisis caused by the massive influx of immigrants into the city in recent days.
In a statement, the Ceuta government explained that the decision responds to the «exceptional situation» the city is experiencing and the «scenario of uncertainty, instability, and concern» generated after the arrival of thousands of people through the border with Morocco.
The celebrations, scheduled between August 1 and 8, are one of the most important events on the Ceuta calendar and are dedicated to the Virgin of Africa, patron saint of the city for centuries.
The Government considers that conditions do not exist to celebrate the festivities
The Executive led by Juan Jesús Vivas has acknowledged the impact the suspension will have both on citizens and on the economic activity linked to the festivities.
«We are aware of what this decision means for thousands of Ceutans, for our families, for the hospitality sector, fairground workers, merchants, artists, and for all those who were eagerly awaiting these days of celebration and togetherness,» the statement reads.
However, the Government maintains that «prudence, responsibility, and the safety of all citizens must prevail,» considering that the Fair should be «a space of encounter, joy, and tranquility» and that, under the current circumstances, «the necessary conditions are not met to celebrate it with the guarantees that Ceuta deserves.»
No reaction from the diocese to the suspension of the festivities
The Autonomous City insists that the decision does not stem from a «lack of enthusiasm,» but from an exercise of «responsibility and sensitivity» in the face of the exceptional situation Ceuta is experiencing. The Executive also thanked the work of the various services involved in managing the crisis and expressed its hope that the celebrations can be resumed when the situation allows.
For the time being, the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta has not made any public statement regarding the suspension of the patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgin of Africa. In recent days, the bishopric has only issued a statement promoting initiatives to address the humanitarian emergency resulting from the massive arrival of illegal immigrants.