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

Mayor of Barcelona Honors Moroccan Community at Throne Festival

On Thursday evening, Jaume Collboni, the mayor of Barcelona, paid tribute to the Moroccan community during a reception organized by the Consulate General of Morocco in Barcelona to celebrate the Throne Festival. Addressing a distinguished audience of political, diplomatic, and community leaders, he emphasized the contributions of Moroccans to the development of the Catalan capital, reaffirming Barcelona’s commitment to strengthening its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco.

From the outset of his speech, the mayor expressed his desire to "celebrate the contribution of the Moroccan community to our city, Barcelona." With over 35,000 individuals of Moroccan descent, this community "helps to make our city a prosperous society, a diverse society that views its diversity as a sign of strength, richness, and coexistence," he stated.

Collboni highlighted the full participation of Moroccans in the economic and social life of Barcelona. "The Moroccan community… shapes a better Barcelona through their work, education, businesses, families, and active participation in the communal life of our neighborhoods," he asserted, noting that their presence "enriches our commercial, social, and communal fabric" and reaffirms Barcelona’s identity as "a city open to the world."

Speaking about the values that underpin the city, the mayor recalled that Barcelona is "proud to be a diverse city," both culturally and religiously. According to him, this diversity is "fully compatible with democracy and coexistence." He emphasized that this coexistence is based on "the respect for fundamental rights," the ability "to evolve, adapt, and grow while honoring roots and traditions," and the sharing of "the same rights, duties, and opportunities."

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

The mayor also underscored his municipal team’s commitment to social cohesion. Barcelona, he noted, is working to create "spaces for encounter, participation, and mutual understanding," convinced that dialogue between cultures is the best guarantee for harmonious coexistence.

Turning to the cooperation between Moroccan and Spanish institutions, Jaume Collboni applauded "the extremely important role that consulates have played" in the regularization process conducted in collaboration with municipalities, the Spanish government, and the Generalitat of Catalonia. He particularly praised the Consulate General of Morocco, whose efforts, he highlighted, "go beyond recognizing the thousands of individuals who have lived, worked, and contributed alongside us to the progress of Barcelona and our country, but also expand rights, bolster democracy, and build a better city."

Reflecting on the relations between Barcelona and Morocco, the mayor noted that they "go back a long way" and are "deep." "As neighbors across the Mediterranean, we have been united for centuries through human, commercial, and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich both our countries," he stated. He also mentioned Casablanca’s participation as the guest city of honor for La Mercè in 2024, believing this initiative will "further bridge this cultural wealth of Morocco and share it with all citizens."

In conclusion, Jaume Collboni reaffirmed "the city’s commitment to the Moroccan community" and its desire to strengthen "the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and respect between Spain, Catalonia, Barcelona, and Morocco." Wishing that this celebration highlights "what unites us: coexistence, mutual respect, and a shared desire for a better future," he extended his congratulations to His Majesty King Mohammed VI on the occasion of the Throne Festival.