In Pamplona hundreds of people demonstrated on 12 October 2026 against what they saw as a “reactionary wave” and for “decent living conditions for everyone, regardless of origin and status”. The mobilisation followed a call by the initiative Iruñeko Arrozak and was billed under the Basque motto “Elkarrekin amestu! Elkarrekin borrokatu!” (“Dream together! Fight together!”).
According to the organisers, the march set off from Parque Antoniutti and went through the city centre via Plaza Consistorial ending at Parque Irubide in the Txantrea. Media reports described the number of participants as “hundreds”; no official counts by authorities were initially available.
The event combined a political rally with a cultural programme. Accompanied by music and speeches, a tasting event known as an “Arroz-Festa” was held in Parque Irubide. According to Iruñeko Arrozak, more than a hundred different rice dishes were presented, including recipes from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia and Nigeria. The organisers described the event as a mix of protest, coming together and solidarity in a neighbourhood shaped by migration.
The call aimed to build a broad alliance against fascism and racism. Beforehand, Iruñeko Arrozak cited the support of around a hundred groups from the cultural sector, social services and trade unions. The phrase “reactionary wave” is the organisers’ own evaluative description; there is no official assessment of it. Media reported that the event passed without major disruption.
The protest is part of a series of local and regional mobilisations in Navarre in recent months, which have addressed issues such as rents, anti-racism and international solidarity. It remains unclear what political impact the demonstration in Pamplona may have at municipal or regional level. This will depend on further civil society initiatives and possible responses by political institutions.
Facts, attributions and assessments should be distinguished: the figure “hundreds” is based on media reports; higher figures from the organisers are estimates and self-reported claims. Political interpretations, including references to a “reactionary wave”, should be attributed to the organisers. No specific political commitments by authorities had been announced by the evening.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).