Throne Festival in Barcelona: The Mayor of Barcelona Celebrates the Role of the Moroccan Community and Calls for Strengthening Ties with the Kingdom

Barcelona’s Mayor Honors Moroccan Community at Throne Day Celebration

On Thursday evening, Jaume Collboni, the mayor of Barcelona, paid heartfelt tribute to the Moroccan community during a reception organized by the Consulate General of Morocco in Barcelona to celebrate Throne Day. In front of an audience of political, diplomatic, and community leaders, he highlighted the significant contributions of Moroccans to the development of the Catalan capital, reaffirming Barcelona’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Kingdom.

At the beginning of his speech, the mayor emphasized the importance of celebrating the Moroccan community’s contributions to the city. With over 35,000 residents of Moroccan origin, he stated that this community "helps make our city a prosperous, diverse society, using its diversity as a symbol of strength, richness, and coexistence."

Jaume Collboni noted that Moroccans play an integral role in the economic and social fabric of Barcelona. "The Moroccan community… is shaping a better Barcelona through its work, studies, businesses, families, and active participation in community life in neighborhoods," he asserted. He believes their presence "enriches our commercial, social, and community fabric" and reinforces Barcelona’s identity as "a city open to the world."

The mayor remarked on the values that underlie the city, reminding everyone that Barcelona is "proud to be a diverse city," culturally and religiously. He insisted that this diversity is "fully compatible with democracy and coexistence." The coexistence relied upon, he argued, is predicated on "respect for fundamental rights," the capacity "to evolve, adapt, and grow while honoring our roots and traditions," and the shared "rights, responsibilities, and opportunities."

For Jaume Collboni, coexistence extends far beyond mere cohabitation. "Coexistence is not simply living alongside one another. It is about building a shared ‘We’ from our diversity," he explained, emphasizing that this “We” can only exist in an environment of "respect, equality — including gender equality — and the dignity of human beings," which he considers the foundations of coexistence in Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain.

The mayor also reaffirmed his municipal team’s commitment to social cohesion. Barcelona, he said, is dedicated to creating "spaces for encounter, participation, and mutual understanding," convinced that dialogue between cultures is the best guarantee of harmonious coexistence.

Touching on cooperation between Moroccan and Spanish institutions, Jaume Collboni praised "the extremely important role played by consulates" in the regularization process conducted with municipalities, the Spanish government, and the Generalitat of Catalonia. He offered a special homage to the Consulate General of Morocco, emphasizing that their work "does not stop at recognizing the thousands of people who have lived, worked, and contributed alongside us to the progress of Barcelona and our country for years, but also extends to expanding rights, strengthening democracy, and building a better city."

Reflecting on the relationship between Barcelona and Morocco, the mayor noted that it "goes back a long way" and is "deep." "As neighbors of the Mediterranean, we have been united for centuries by human, commercial, and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich both of our countries," he declared. He also mentioned Casablanca’s participation as the guest city of honor for La Mercè in 2024, believing this initiative will further "bring together this rich culture of Morocco and share it with all citizens."

In conclusion, Jaume Collboni reaffirmed "the city of Barcelona’s commitment to the Moroccan community" and its desire to strengthen "the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and respect between Spain, Catalonia, Barcelona, and Morocco." He expressed hope that this celebration would highlight "what unites us: coexistence, mutual respect, and the shared will for a better future," congratulating His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of Throne Day.