Ceuta reopens after 60,000-strong migration wave, festival canceled and fair workers stranded
Ceuta begins a fragile return to normality after over 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco in two days, triggering a 24-hour lockdown, the unprecedented cancellation of its patron saint festival, and hundreds of stranded fairground workers.
The influx and lockdown
Between Thursday and Friday, more than 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave of 83,000 inhabitants. The sudden arrival overwhelmed the city, forcing authorities to impose a 24-hour lockdown. Shops, bars, and public spaces were shuttered as residents stayed indoors. Carlos, a shopkeeper on the main avenue, described the scene as chaotic: "It was a total disaster," he said, blaming a lack of preparation by the government.
- Migrants begin crossing from Morocco into Ceuta
- Over 60,000 arrivals; city placed under 24-hour lockdown
- Patron saint festival canceled; fairground workers stranded
- Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visits, promises economic aid
- Commerce reopens; migrants begin returning to Morocco
- An estimated 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta
A city reopens
By Saturday morning, life began to return. Commerce reopened, though many shopkeepers kept shutters half-lowered or posted guards at the door. The military still protected supermarkets, and customers had to show identification to enter. "Yesterday opening was a gamble, but today everything is much calmer," said one store owner. The streets, however, bore the marks of the crisis: rubbish and the smell of urine lingered where thousands had slept rough.
Economic toll and stranded fair workers
The crisis hit Ceuta's economy hard. The annual Fiestas Patronales, due to start on August 1, were canceled for the first time. Hundreds of fairground workers who had traveled from mainland Spain were left with dismantled rides and no income. Francisco Martínez, a veteran with 25 years at the fair, had spent around €6,000 on transport and municipal fees. "We are kidnapped, literally," he said. "We can't open our attractions because there is no fair, and that we can understand, but not that they won't let us leave freely." Another worker, Christopher, faced losses of nearly €45,000 after bringing six attractions. David, in his second year, paid €10,000 to set up La Cárcel. Many were told the city would cover their ferry back to Algeciras, but no departure was expected before Monday.
Remaining migrants and security
While thousands of migrants returned to Morocco via the Tarajal border crossing (at a rate of 150 per minute on Friday), an estimated 5,000 remained in Ceuta by Saturday evening. Some hid among the hills and beaches, evading police and military patrols. Others gathered near the overcrowded migrant reception center, where a group tried to force entry on Friday night. Authorities hoped that hunger, exhaustion, and the visible security presence would persuade more to leave, but concern focused on those from sub-Saharan countries with no ties to Morocco.
We must deploy every effective means to ensure that the return of all those who entered here irregularly in these days is completed.
Political response
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez visited Ceuta on Friday and promised to study compensation for affected businesses. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska confirmed that economic aid would be forthcoming. Ceuta's president, Juan Jesús Vivas, stressed the need for security and the full return of migrants. Residents remained skeptical. "This won't be the last time," said Antonio, a retiree, as he headed to the swimming pool. The city, though calmer, was far from healed.
