Jumilla, Spain, against the ban on Muslim festivities.”/>
IMAGO / Anadolu Agency
Jumilla, Spain – A ban on traditional Muslim celebrations during the upcoming Mawlid al-nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) in the southeastern Spanish town of Jumilla has sparked widespread condemnation and a national debate on religious freedom and alleged anti-Islamic sentiment. The decision, made by Jumilla’s conservative mayor, Juana Guardiola, and her People’s party (PP) council, prohibits street processions and public displays associated wiht the holiday, citing public order concerns.
What are the reactions? Spanish Minister of Migration Elma Saiz has labeled the ban “shameful.” The chairman of the Spanish Federation of Islamic Religious Entities (FEERI),Abdelsalam Ahmed,denounced the move as “institutionalized anti-Islam.” Journalist Julia Macher reports significant criticism directed at the governing parties, accusing them of tolerating unacceptable racism. The Spanish Bishops’ Conference also issued a statement condemning the ban, emphasizing the importance of religious freedom guaranteed by the Spanish constitution of 1978. Mayor Guardiola and the PP are facing mounting pressure, particularly from within their own voter base, where many Catholic constituents reportedly sympathize with the Bishops’ Conference’s concerns.
is Jumilla an isolated case in Spain? The situation in Jumilla reflects a broader trend of conservative parties relying on support from the far-right vox party in numerous Spanish municipalities.These alliances have led to coalition governments where Vox exerts influence on policy. Julia Macher notes that similar initiatives may be considered in other communities, but the national outcry surrounding the Jumilla ban is likely to discourage widespread imitation. “Such initiatives, which contradict the constitution and clearly exploit prejudices, risk attracting unwanted attention,” she stated. The ban specifically targets the celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi on September 27th, a date of religious significance for Sunni Muslims. jumilla, a municipality in the Region of Murcia, has a Muslim population representing approximately 15% of its 35,000 residents, many of whom are Moroccan immigrants.
