The Virgin of Africa will finally walk the streets of Ceuta on August 5. The Autonomous City and the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Africa have confirmed the celebration of the traditional floral offering and the procession, despite the suspension of the patronal festivities and the Fair agreed upon due to the crisis caused by the massive entry of illegal immigrants into the city.
According to the local media outlet, El Faro de Ceuta, the decision was made following a coordination meeting held at the Government Delegation, attended by officials from the Autonomous City, representatives of the Security Forces and Corps, the Vicariate of Ceuta, the apostolic administrator of the Diocese of Cádiz and Ceuta, Monsignor Ramón Darío Valdivia, and members of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Africa. During the meeting, a special security operation was established to ensure the development of both religious events.
The floral offering and the procession are maintained
Thus, this Tuesday, August 4, the traditional floral offering to the Patroness will take place, and the following day, the feast of Saint Mary of Africa, the solemn procession will be held through the streets of Ceuta.
The Brotherhood has emphasized that these celebrations are part of the history and identity of the city. In a statement, it affirms that “Ceuta has known how to face all kinds of challenges without losing what defines it: its faith, its traditions, and the deep love for its Patroness.”
It also recalls that the Virgin of Africa has been, generation after generation, “a refuge, a guide, and a symbol of unity” for the people of Ceuta.
The devotions continue as normal
Following the suspension of the patronal festivities, the parish of Saint Mary of Africa confirmed that the novena in honor of the Patroness would continue to be celebrated as normal, maintaining the daily liturgical celebrations.
With the confirmation of the floral offering and the procession, the two most significant public acts of devotion to the Virgin of Africa are also secured, remaining separate from the festive program suspended by the Autonomous City.
The Fair remains suspended
The Ceuta Fair and the rest of the recreational activities remain canceled by decision of the Government of the Autonomous City, which justified the measure due to the exceptional situation caused by the massive entry of illegal immigrants from Morocco and the need to guarantee security and emergency care.
The authorities have, however, differentiated the religious celebrations from the rest of the festive program and have deemed their development possible through a specific security operation, thus allowing the main acts in honor of the Patroness to be celebrated according to the planned schedule.