Massive Pro-Palestine Protests Sweep Across Spain on October 4, 2025
Over 70 municipalities in Spain held large, peaceful pro-Palestine protests on October 4, 2025, with major rallies in Barcelona and Madrid attracting tens of thousands and significant political involvement.
- • More than 70 protests across Spain in support of Palestine on October 4, 2025.
- • Barcelona saw between 70,000 and 300,000 demonstrators peacefully rallying with political party participation.
- • Madrid hosted the largest protest, starting at Atocha station and ending in Plaza de Callao, causing traffic disruptions.
- • Unions in the Basque Country called for a general strike, demanding recognition of Palestine and cessation of trade with Israel.
Key details
On October 4, 2025, Spain witnessed a coordinated wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations across more than 70 municipalities, expressing solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. The largest gatherings took place in Barcelona and Madrid, drawing tens of thousands of participants in peaceful marches and rallies.
In Barcelona, attendance estimates varied, with the government reporting about 70,000 protesters, while organizers claimed up to 300,000 people participated. The demonstration concluded at the Arc de Triomf and was marked by the presence of prominent political figures from the PSC, Sumar, CUP, and ERC parties. Despite previous days seeing unrest, the march was largely peaceful and set a clear message. Further protest activities were anticipated to continue in Barcelona in the afternoon. The Madrid protest, expected to be even larger, was scheduled for 6 p.m., starting from Atocha station and culminating in Plaza de Callao, with authorities anticipating significant traffic disruptions.
These mobilizations form part of a series of 19 nationwide protests, unified under the slogan "Stop the genocide in Palestine, end arms trade and relations with Israel." Beyond these two cities, protests also took place in Santander, where a human chain surrounded Valdecilla Hospital to underline the humanitarian crisis impacting Gaza's healthcare system. In the Basque Country, unions called for a general strike demanding an end to violence and the Spanish government's recognition of Palestine, urging the cessation of trade with Israel due to alleged violations of international law.
These events underscore widespread Spanish public and political support for Palestinian rights in the context of the escalating Middle East conflict, reflecting mounting pressures on governmental policies concerning international relations and arms commerce.
Quotes from the event highlighted the peaceful yet resolute nature of the protests. Political participation and large crowds demonstrated a clear, unified call for an end to the war and humanitarian respect for Palestinians.
This solemn day of activism marks a significant chapter in Spain’s engagement with the Gaza crisis, with further protests and actions planned as part of ongoing efforts to influence national and international discourse regarding the conflict.