Madrid/Valencia/Brussels, Oct 29 (EFE).— Spain on Wednesday marked the first anniversary of the devastating Dana storm that claimed 237 lives across Valencia with solemn tributes that united the nation, from a state funeral to moments of silence in towns and cities across the region.
The main ceremony, to be held at the Museum of Sciences in Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences complex and led attended by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, was expected to bringh together nearly 800 attendees, including top national and regional authorities.
Before the public tribute, the royal couple and the prime minister will meet privately with the families of victims to convey condolences.
King Felipe VI, speaking on behalf of the Spanish State, praised “the strength, dignity, and unity” shown by Valencians in the face of tragedy.
During the ceremony, the names of all 237 victims would be read aloud, followed by a minute of silence, and the monarchs laying a wreath in their memory.
Across the Valencian Community, flags flew at half-mast as municipalities observed minutes of silence, held vigils, and offered floral tributes in remembrance of the victims of the torrential storm that ravaged the region in October 2024.
The Generalitat declared an official day of mourning, joined by towns including Chiva, Sedaví, Paiporta, and Catarroja — some of the hardest-hit areas. In Sedaví, local officials announced that Oct 29 would remain a day of remembrance for the next 12 years, while Paiporta and Catarroja declared three days of mourning.
In Valencia, hundreds gathered outside City Hall, while in the devastated hamlets of La Torre, Castellar-Oliveral, and Forn d’Alcedo, firefighters, police officers, and residents stood shoulder to shoulder in silence. “There is nothing to celebrate, but much to remember and to thank,” said Chiva’s mayor, Ernesto Navarro.
Tributes extended beyond local governments. Les Corts Valencianes, universities, and companies also joined the commemorations.
The supermarket chain Consum observed 237 seconds of silence across its branches, Ford paused production twice during the day, and Metrovalencia and TRAM d’Alacant briefly halted services.
In Benetússer, residents unveiled a mural titled La memoria del agua by Valencian artist Escif, writing chalk messages in memory of those lost.
In Sueca, a square was renamed Plaza del Voluntariado in tribute to the volunteers who helped during the floods.
The commemorations, marked by silence, sorrow, and solidarity, brought Spain and Europe together in remembrance of one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country’s history, reaffirming a shared commitment to honor the memory of those lost and the courage of those who survived.
From Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to the victims.
“One year after the devastating floods in Valencia, we remain with the people of Spain. We share your pain. And we will always remember the incredible solidarity of a community coming together to rebuild,” she said.
She recalled that the European Union has provided nearly €3 billion in aid to support recovery and rebuilding. “Europe will continue to support you in this effort.”
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola also expressed condolences, describing the floods as a test of “Valencia’s resilience and Europe’s unity.”
She noted ongoing EU efforts to assist victims and families, including mental health and reconstruction programs. EFE
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