The Cathedral of Valencia became a solemn gathering place as nearly 400 family members, neighbors, and officials came together to honor the victims of the devastating floods caused by a DANA on October 29. Presided over by Archbishop Enrique Benavent, the service remembered the 222 lives lost and the four individuals still missing. The event was not a state funeral but saw a strong turnout from local and national leaders, including King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. The Prime Minister of Spain Pedro Sanchez did not attend the service.

A Ceremony for Families

The service, which began at 7:00 pm, was carefully planned to prioritize the families of the victims. Relatives arrived early to collect credentials and were seated in the central nave, a reserved area accommodating 700 people. Additional chairs were added along the sides to ensure everyone could attend.

Transportation for families was arranged by local parishes, with buses and taxis bringing the people from affected towns. The solemnity of the occasion was reflected in the music, with the cathedral choir performing selections from Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem and the hymn of the Virgen de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken), whose image, draped in mourning, was placed in the presbytery.

National Leaders Pay Respects

In addition to the royal family, attendees included ministers, regional presidents, and local mayors. Their presence highlighted the widespread impact of the tragedy. However, some families expressed frustration, with a minority directing their anger toward officials over the handling of the disaster.

Words of Comfort and Reflection

Archbishop Benavent’s homily offered words of solace to the bereaved and acknowledged the broader hardships caused by the floods, including disrupted lives, education, and livelihoods. His message emphasised solidarity and hope amid the profound grief.

Gritos de "asesinos" y "Sánchez dimisión" por parte de un grupo de manifestantes en el funeral por las víctimas de la DANA de Valencia.

En contraste, los Reyes han sido aplaudidos a su llegada. pic.twitter.com/DnJauaZi8d

— Roberto Lainez (@RobertoLai74153) December 9, 2024

Royal Support and Lingering Anger

After the service, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia spent half an hour speaking with families, offering their condolences, and listening to them. They departed to applause from the crowd. However, the mood darkened as some attendees directed their anger toward President Carlos Mazón of Valencia. Families handed him photos of their lost loved ones, with the word “murderer” written on the back. Mazón accepted the photos and listened quietly as people voiced their frustrations, blaming both him and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for what they saw as an inadequate response to the disaster. The pain, hurt, and anger remain palpable and will likely linger for a long time. This Christmas will be especially difficult for the people of Valencia, particularly the family, friends, and neighbors of the DANA victims.

A Painful Reminder

The service marked a moment of collective mourning but also highlighted lingering tensions and unresolved pain. As Valencia continues to recover, the ceremony served as both a tribute to the victims and a call for resilience in the face of tragedy.

Main image: X/@CasaReal