IU‑Podemos has called on the Ayuntamiento de Torrelavega to substantially increase the number and improve the distribution of Puntos Violeta and Puntos Arcoíris for the Fiestas de la Virgen Grande 2026 . The patron saint festivities take place in Torrelavega from 13 to 25 August. The initiative aims to provide accessible, clearly visible support points during the busiest days of the festivities for people facing sexist and anti-LGBTI attacks.
In a statement on 12 August, councillor Borja Peláez (IU‑Podemos) said there should be “more Puntos Violeta y Arcoíris than in 2025” in 2026, and that they should be more prominent in areas with high footfall. He is arguing against simply carrying over the previous year’s plan unchanged, and is calling for more support points in clearly marked, easily accessible locations at central event venues.
Facts: According to the city, two support points were listed as Puntos Violeta y Arcoíris at previous editions of the patron saint festivities. No official decisions on the number, locations, opening hours or staffing for 2026 have yet been made. The Ayuntamiento de is responsible for setting these details. Torrelavega.
Context: According to the “Balance de Criminalidad” published by the Ministerio del Interior and the Delegación del Gobierno en Cantabria the number of offences against sexual freedom in Cantabria rose by 8.2 per cent in 2025 to 171 cases (2024: 158). Event plans for the Fiestas de la Virgen Grande 2026 envisage a packed programme of concerts, parades and gathering places in the city centre—a setting that makes the visibility and accessibility of support points for victims especially important.
Assessment and outstanding questions: IU‑Podemos’s demand addresses prevention and victim protection, issues that also guide the actions of organisers and security personnel. Expanding the Puntos Violeta and Puntos Arcoíris would require more coordination with municipal security, additional staff and logistical resources; at the same time, it could improve accessibility for victims and increase their sense of security. No decision has yet been made on what resources will be provided, whether the number of support points will increase or how they will be distributed.
Context: Verifiable facts include the demand made by Borja Peláez, the publication date, the dates of the Fiestas de la Virgen Grande 2026 and the crime figures for Cantabria 2025. The quotations and intentions attributed to IU‑Podemos are reported claims. Statements about the possible effects of expanding the service are assessments; the actual impact can only be evaluated after implementation.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).