Thousands Mobilize in Valencia to Defend Language and Social Rights
The April 25th demonstration, called by Acció Cultural del País Valencià, gathered thousands of citizens under the slogan "Against aggressions, we are the strength of the country".
By Neus Mollà i Roca
••2 min read
IA
Generic image of a crowd at a demonstration in an urban square, with confetti and streetlights.
The city of Valencia was the scene of a massive demonstration on April 25, 2026, where thousands of people gathered to demand the defense of language, culture, and social rights in the Valencian Country.
Under the slogan "Against aggressions, we are the strength of the country", the event, organized by Acció Cultural del País Valencià (ACPV), transformed the holiday into a large mobilization that brought together citizens of all ages and sensitivities.
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"This year we focus on the country. We want a country with a future, where young people do not have to dedicate themselves exclusively to tourism. We want a government that does not persecute people who speak Valencian and we want a democratic and free country. We want them to stop being sectarian and to govern for everyone."
The president of ACPV, Anna Oliver, emphasized the importance of the day, highlighting the need for a future for the Valencian Country that goes beyond tourism and respects its own language. She also referred to the rejection by certain political parties of the celebration, noting that for most Valencians, not celebrating it would be an insult.
The unitary banner featured representatives from various social, trade union, and cultural groups, both from the Valencian Country and the Catalan sphere. Among them were entities linked to democratic memory, territorial defense, public health, and the neighborhood movement, as well as members of Òmnium Cultural and ACPV itself.
The start of the demonstration, in Plaça de Sant Agustí, was marked by the arrival of members of the Correllengua Agermanat, who brought the flame after completing the stage from La Pobla Tornesa to the Valencian capital. The manifesto, read by musician Xavi Sarrià, emphasized the desire to live and speak in Valencian, recalling the struggle of previous generations for language and democracy, and honoring figures like Guillem Agulló.
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"We want to live and speak in Valencian! We remember our grandparents, who were made to bow their heads when they spoke Valencian. We remember those who confronted fascists, those who taught Valencian during the long night of fascism, those who went into exile, the bombs placed against personalities and bookstores, the teachers who managed to legalize speaking Valencian in the 80s. We also remember Guillem Agulló. With the spark of history and moving forward with courage, we are a people in motion!"
