Valencia is increasing the police presence in the city centre on Saturday, 31 October 2026, and advising the public to avoid the city centre if possible. The move follows calls circulating on social media under the slogan “Blocus”, urging disruption, riots and attacks on shops. Mayor María José Catalá said the measures were precautionary and pointed to ongoing investigations by the security services.
The enhanced deployment was agreed on Friday, 30 October, after a meeting of the Junta Local de Seguridad at the town hall. Senior city officials, representatives of the Spanish government delegation and police forces took part. Plans include more patrols and mobile units from Policía Nacional and Policía Local, supported by the Guardia Civil. According to the authorities, the deployment is comprehensive yet flexible, allowing them to respond quickly to possible incidents. Shopkeepers have been asked to consider precautionary security measures and adjust opening hours if necessary.
At the same time, security forces are taking action against suspected organisers of digitally coordinated activities. In Valencia province, arrests were made in Alfafar and in Picanya. Police statements say the suspects are accused of using social media channels and messaging services to call for riots and property offences, and of sharing instructions for making incendiary devices. The Policía Nacional and the Guardia Civil say investigations into the roles and responsibilities within the groups and channels concerned are ongoing.
The authorities stress that these are precautionary measures. Warnings and investigations do not mean that the announced riots will necessarily take place, or occur on the scale feared. Nevertheless, the city and security forces recommend avoiding large gatherings in the historic centre on Saturday and following the instructions of officers. Officials have not specified any particular targets or times.
The background is a series of similar, digitally prompted attempts to cause disruption in other Spanish cities in recent weeks, which have influenced planning in Valencia. Regional and national authorities said they would assess the situation after the weekend and explain any further steps if necessary. Information on the security measures and arrests is based on statements and agency reports published on 30 October, including reports by Europa Press, EFE, RTVE and regional broadcaster À Punt.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).