Spain orders Jumilla to revoke ban on Muslim celebrations

Monday 11 August 2025 - 14:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Spain orders Jumilla to revoke ban on Muslim celebrations

Spain’s central government has instructed the town of Jumilla in Murcia to annul a controversial motion that prohibits religious festivities in municipal sports facilities. Critics argue the decision targeted the town's Muslim community, which has long hosted events like Eid al-Fitr in such venues.

Government intervention over alleged discrimination

The measure, approved last week by the conservative Popular Party (PP) with support from far-right Vox, claimed to "promote and preserve traditional values." In exchange, Vox pledged its backing for the municipal budget. However, the government swiftly condemned the move, with Inclusion and Migration Minister Elma Sainz labeling it a "racist motion."

Territorial Policy Minister Ángel Víctor Torres announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the government had formally ordered the ban’s repeal, citing its violation of Spain’s constitution, which guarantees religious freedom.

A longstanding tradition in Jumilla

Jumilla, a wine-producing town of 27,000 residents, is home to a significant Muslim population, many of whom work in agriculture. For years, the community has celebrated religious events, including Eid al-Fitr, in public sports facilities without incident.

Even the Catholic Church criticized the prohibition, asserting that public religious practices fall under the constitutional right to religious freedom. This rare alignment between the Church and the government sparked backlash from Vox leader Santiago Abascal, who accused the Church of being influenced by funding and scandals.

Rising tensions in Murcia

The controversy in Jumilla follows recent unrest in another Murcia town, where clashes erupted between far-right groups and immigrant residents after an assault allegedly involving a North African youth. The incidents underscore growing tensions over immigration and cultural integration in the region.