This Saturday, the streets of Valencia will once again be filled with protesters. Residents and representatives of more than two hundred organizations plan to march through the city center to remind people of the tragedy that occurred a year ago and to express dissatisfaction with the work of the regional government. The disaster of October 2024 claimed 229 lives and left millions of euros in damage.
The march is organized by associations of victims, trade unions, and recovery committees. They insist that Carlos Mazón, head of the autonomous community, must resign. According to them, over the past year the authorities have not taken any responsibility for what happened, and the promised measures have not been implemented. The slogan “Mazón dimisión” will again be the main message on participants’ banners.
The march will pass along symbolic city streets: it will start at Plaza de San Agustín, then proceed along Xàtiva and Colón streets, past the Palacio de Justicia, along Gran Vía de Ramón y Cajal, then through Calle de la Paz, crossing Plaza de la Reina, as well as Brodadors and Micalet streets, and will finish at Plaza de la Virgen. The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 18:00.
Leaders of victims’ associations emphasize that a year after the tragedy, not a single official has been held accountable, and the families of the victims are still waiting for justice. The organizers are calling on all residents of the region to join the march so their demands will be heard not only in Valencia, but beyond.
During the march, participants intend to remember those who died and to highlight that in the twelve months since the catastrophe, no new plans have been introduced to prevent similar disasters, nor have any real steps been taken to improve safety. Protesters accuse the authorities of ignoring the problems, including a lack of support for the affected areas and families, as well as of attempting to cover up inconvenient facts.
On the same morning, a memorial ceremony organized by victims’ associations will take place at the Olympia Theatre. A state memorial service is scheduled for October 29, with the relatives of the victims invited; however, many of them do not want government representatives present at the event. That evening, silent marches with torches and applause in memory of the victims will take place in the affected towns.
Organizers note that despite the efforts of volunteers, emergency workers, and civil society, recovery has been slow, and many areas have yet to return to normal life. Destruction remains in some neighborhoods, children are attending classes in temporary facilities, and the promised support measures have not been implemented. Protesters are demanding not only the resignation of Mazón, but real changes in regional policy.
