CEUTA, Spain – A spontaneous citizen initiative has organised a nautical journey to the autonomous city from numerous ports in the south of the peninsula as a gesture of solidarity and fraternity with the people of Ceuta, one month after the migration avalanche that overwhelmed the city, with participants dubbing it the Armada of Solidarity. The call, under the slogan “The sea unites us, Ceuta calls us,” has been overwhelmed by the number of people who have shown interest, with organisers estimating that up to 60 vessels will participate, arriving at the Port of Ceuta in staggered fashion between midday and eight in the evening.
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The initiative aims to send a message of unity and support to the citizens of Ceuta following the mass border crossing at the end of July, with organisers stating that it is a civic and peaceful response from citizens who want the people of Ceuta to know that Spaniards on the peninsula stand with them. The objective is to express the indignation that many inhabitants are suffering and to make it clear that Ceuta is Spanish territory.
Mooring at the port will be free courtesy of the Ceuta Marina, and all participants will be invited to a reception and welcome dinner. On Sunday, at around 11:00 a.m., a maritime demonstration will depart from the port through Ceuta’s waters with all the vessels that have arrived over the weekend, along with many already docked there. The organisers have even planned for three helicopters to fly over the fleet as they sail in formation, displaying Spanish flags.
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The initiative has garnered widespread support from ports along the Costa del Sol and the Campo de Gibraltar, including Motril, Marbella, Estepona, Sotogrande, and Algeciras. Participants have expressed their desire to support Ceuta, with vessels leaving at staggered times throughout Saturday morning. This initiative is not the only citizen-led effort to show support for Ceuta from the rest of the country, as on September 2, the Day of Ceuta, gatherings are planned in numerous town halls and squares across Spain.
