Summary
- Nearly 2,000 people gathered in Valencia on August 29,2025,marking the tenth citizen mobilization against Carlos mazón’s handling of the DANA floods.
- Event commemorated 228 lives lost on October 29,2024,featuring symbolic tributes including black shirts bearing photos of victims and traditional music.
- More than 200 associations demanded justice, political accountability, and a state funeral for October 29, 2025.
- Persistent infrastructure issues remain, such as unrepaired schools, broken elevators, and blocked sewage systems.
- Organizers refused to negotiate with Carlos Mazón, planning talks only with Vice President Francisco Gan Pampols about reconstruction plans.
Valencia’s Tenth Mobilization Demands Justice for DANA Flood Victims
On August 29, 2025, Valencia witnessed a stirring collective call for justice and remembrance. Nearly two thousand people gathered in the plaza de la Virgen, opposite the Palau de la Generalitat, to participate in the tenth citizen mobilization protesting the management of the tragic DANA flooding that struck the region on October 29, 2024.
This tragic event claimed the lives of 228 people and left a long-lasting scar on the Valencian community. The demonstration was not just a typical protest; it was a deeply symbolic gathering filled with emotion, memory, and a shared resolve for accountability.
A Gathering of Memory and Meaning
- Participants wore black T-shirts printed with photos of the victims, symbolizing the grief and remembrance of those lost.
- Signs displayed victims’ names, while traditional music played alongside moments of respectful silence.
- Speakers reminded the crowd every day since the tragedy has been filled with pain; “Behind these ten months lie 334 days of sorrow,” one said.
Voices of the Community and Associations
Over 200 associations joined forces for the event, demanding justice, reparations, and political responsibility. Their demands included:
- A formal State funeral to honor all victims on October 29, 2025.
- The resignation of Carlos Mazón, the regional president, held responsible for the mishandling of the aftermath.
- Urgent measures to address damaged infrastructure,including schools,elevators,and sewage systems that remain in disrepair.
mariló Gradolí, president of one of the leading associations, underscored the collective determination: “We will keep demanding the resignation ten months later, eleven months later, twelve months later…”
Human Stories Behind the Tragedy
the collective memory also honored specific victims, such as an eight-month pregnant woman and two workers who died while performing recovery tasks after the flood. The protesters’ slogans were both powerful and sobering:
- “Mazón dimisión” (Mazón resign)
- “no fueron muertes naturales, fue un homicidio imprudente” (These were not natural deaths; it was reckless homicide)
Political Standoff and reconstruction Challenges
The associations issuing the demands have made it clear they will not negotiate with Carlos Mazón.While a meeting is scheduled with Vice President Francisco Gan Pampols to discuss reconstruction plans, Mazón has been explicitly excluded from talks. This political stance reflects the continuing frustration and grief felt by the community.
Despite the mobilizations, many problems from the disaster remain unresolved:
- Schools damaged by the floods remain unrepaired.
- Elevators and other public infrastructure are still out of service.
- Sewage and drainage systems continue to be blocked, posing health and safety risks.
Valencia Keeps the Flame of Memory and Hope Alive
The tenth demonstration against regional leadership following the DANA tragedy represents not only a fight for justice but also a determination not to let the victims be forgotten. as the community united in memory and resolve, Valencia’s streets echoed a message: untill justice prevails, the voices of those who can no longer speak will continue to be heard.
| Date | Event | Number of Participants | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| October 29, 2024 | DANA Flood Tragedy | N/A | Valencia Region |
| August 29, 2025 | Tenth Citizen Mobilization | ~2,000 | Plaza de la Virgen, Valencia |
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