Lorraine Williamson
Vox has stepped up its campaign against cultural practices it calls “not Spanish.” The party has singled out Islamic celebrations, especially the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha), claiming they threaten social cohesion and conflict with national identity. It has urged local governments to prevent such traditions from spreading.
Tensions grew in June when Alejandro Nolasco, Vox’s leader in Aragon and then vice-president, tore up a Ramadan leaflet during the Feast of Sacrifice. The event took place in a Zaragoza car park on 6 June. Nolasco labelled the celebration a “barbarism” and contrasted it with the ban on traditional Spanish customs such as pig slaughter. He described this as the result of “ideological concessions” and “economic pressure” that erode Spanish identity.
Vox proposal for Aragon’s policy
Vox has tabled a proposal for the Junta de Portavoces, due to meet on 3 September. Heavy storms in June and July delayed discussion. The party calls for stronger protection of key Spanish holidays such as Epiphany, Good Friday, Assumption Day, and Christmas.
It also wants to restore regional celebrations of Santiago Apostle (25 July) and San José (19 March), which have been dropped in some areas. In addition, Vox seeks to promote Spanish gastronomy and meat traditions to counter the rise of halal products. According to the party, native customs should be defended in public spaces against “foreign encroachment.”
Vox’s national leader, Santiago Abascal, echoed the stance on social media, writing that “we must protect public spaces from practices foreign to our culture and our way of life” and warning against “totalitarian ideology, sometimes disguised as religion”. You can read his full post here.
Strong backlash from opposition parties
Chunta Aragonesista has condemned the move. The party says it mirrors the “political disgrace of Jumilla” and demands that regional president Jorge Azcón of the Partido Popular state whether he supports it.
“If these are the terms for approving the budget,” a spokesperson warned, “then we need to know how far the PP is prepared to go at the expense of democratic values.”
Context and wider debate
Spain has a long history of disputes over cultural and religious identity. In the past, these centred on Catholic traditions versus secular values. Now, political pressure is extending into the religious practices of minority groups.
This latest push in Aragon adds fuel to the debate over what should define the nation’s public celebrations, raising fresh questions about inclusion and freedom of worship.
What to watch
The proposal will be debated on 3 September. If approved, it could shape not only Aragon’s cultural calendar but also the national conversation on diversity. Reactions from Madrid and Spain’s constitutional authorities will be key, especially if they view the measure as undermining religious freedom.
Source: La Vanguardia