The Guardia Civil is maintaining its security presence in La Granja (province of Cáceres, Extremadura) until the site of the unauthorised event has been completely cleared. Although many vehicles and participants have gradually left the area since Tuesday and Wednesday, many people were still there on Thursday, the authorities said.
According to Comandancia de la Guardia Civil de Cáceres The event began on the night of 14 August. It developed into a multi-day, rave-like gathering. To control access and limit risks, officers closed roads, set up checkpoints and escorted departures. The operation is being coordinated by the Comandancia, which has been monitoring the area since the gathering began.
The site is being cleared in stages. According to the Guardia Civil, the operation will remain in place to ensure safety and prevent possible incidents. “Numerous” vehicles had already left the private site on Tuesday and Wednesday, and departures continued on Thursday. On 14 August, the authorities had already reported that they were controlling access and preventing further arrivals (Europa Press). As the event is a “fiesta no autorizada” taking place on several occupied fincas, the authorities explicitly refer to “ocupación” and “desalojo” of the private properties.
Media reports say that around 3,000 people were at the site at one point (elDiario.es). The checks led to proceedings for drug and traffic offences; at least one traffic-related arrest was reported (Europa Press). Emergency services reported several call-outs and individual hospital transfers near the event. Regional media such as Cadena SER and the news agency EFE also documented the staggered departures and the continued presence of security forces at the site.
Criticism came from the professional association AUGC, which complained of inadequate advance planning and the heavy burden on units. The AUGC also criticised the extensive deployment of the USECIC mobile units beyond their usual remit. The Guardia Civil, by contrast, points to the need to maintain a presence in the area until it has been fully cleared.
The situation on Thursday is therefore as follows: the Guardia Civil operation in La Granja is continuing; participants are leaving in stages; and the authorities are controlling access and accompanying departures. Figures for exact participant numbers and proceedings initiated come from media reports based on statements by the authorities; no final official figures are yet available.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).