MADRID – March 11, marks 17 years since terrorists bombed commuter trains at Madrid metro stations. Since then, 11-M has been the day for the victims of terrorism. Services are also being held during the pandemic in honour of the fallen victims.
A laurel wreath on the facade of Madrid´s regional administration building in Puerta del Sol marks 11-M. The day when 193 people died 17 years ago in one of the most violent terrorist attacks in Spain. On this day in 2004, ten of the thirteen bombs exploded in four commuter trains at the stations of Atocha, Santa Eugenia, El Pozo and near Calle Tellez. Bombs that were placed moments before by Jihad terrorists.
Wreath laying at Puerta del Sol in Madrid
On Thursday at 9 AM, Regional President Díaz Ayuso and Mayor Martínez-Almeida of the Spanish capital laid a wreath in honour of the victims. In the presence of politicians, the bells of the Real Casa de Correos rang during the laying the the wreath. After which, the ceremony was concluded with the Spanish national anthem. Several dignitaries from the European Union attended the ceremony online.
Commemoration in Retiro Park and Royal Palace Madrid
At noon, the tribute to the victims of 11-M took place at the Bosque del Recuerdo in the Retiro Park. This is organised each year by the Association of Terrorism Victims (AVT). This afternoon at 4 PM a memorial will be held in the gardens of the Royal Palace in Madrid in the presence of the King and Queen of Spain. Prime Minister Sánchez is also expected to attend this commemoration.
Due to the corona pandemic, all commemorative events that take place in Spain have restricted access. Additionally, the number of attendees is limited to 50 people.
11-M Day for the victims of terrorism
Since the terrorist attack in 2004, the European Parliament declared March 11 as European Day for the Victims of Terrorism. The attack on 11 March 2004 in Madrid claimed the lives of 193 people of 17 different nationalities. 143 of the 193 victims were Spaniards.
