Cambrils pays tribute to the victims of the attacks 9 years ago in front of the Nautical Club

Cambrils commemorates the victims of the jihadist attacks of August 17 and 18, 2017, with an emotional event in front of the Yacht Club, where the run-overs took place. The living memory and coexistence are the guiding themes of a day marked by serenity and respect.

The episode that shook the city still resonates in the collective memory, especially for the victims and their families, but also for all the residents who walk every day through the streets where the events occurred.

The living memory in front of the Yacht Club

Why is this event important for the residents of Cambrils?

The event in front of the Yacht Club is much more than an institutional tribute: it is a space where the community gathers to keep the memory alive and counteract hatred with values such as peace and coexistence. For the people of Cambrils, this spot is not only a physical place but a living memory of collective resilience.

How did the commemoration unfold?

Political and police representatives participated in a sober event that included a minute of silence and a floral offering at the mosaic commemorating the attacks. Mayor Oliver Klein read a manifesto condemning violence and calling for memory and unity.

Direct testimony from a wounded victim

What experience did Josep Maria Rovira share?

Josep Maria Rovira, an 87-year-old Cambrils resident who was injured in the attacks, was present and explained that he does not remember the moment of the events nor the days before. Even so, he maintains normality and continues to walk through the same place as before. “It happened, you have to endure it and move forward,” he stated with a naturalness that moves you.

How important is the relationship between the City Council and the victims?

Mayor Klein highlighted that the connection with the victims is direct and constant. The City Council stays in contact to attend to their needs and concerns, a clear sign that memory is cared for beyond single events.

A city that rejects violence and commits to coexistence

How is Cambrils’ commitment to peace expressed?

In the manifesto read during the event, peace, respect, and coexistence were affirmed as fundamental values above hatred and division. This message takes on special significance in a city that wants to be peaceful and welcoming.

What impact does this memory have on the local community?

The commemoration not only serves to honor Ana María Suárez, the only fatal victim in Cambrils, but also strengthens the social commitment to prevent intolerance and maintain unity. It is a reminder that collective memory is key to overcoming pain and looking to the future.

During the event, the presence of the City Council, Local Police, the Government delegation in Tarragona, and the Spanish government subdelegation demonstrated a joint and firm response against violence.

The mosaic on the promenade marking the site of the attacks thus becomes a living symbol, where each floral offering and each minute of silence are more than ritual gestures: they are the commitment of a city that does not want to forget.

The collective memory and the living testimony like that of Josep Maria Rovira remind us that, although time passes, pain and resilience persist in every corner of Cambrils. This sober event is a clear demonstration that the city keeps alive the flame of coexistence in the shadow of hatred.

Source of the article: Eloi Tost / Gio Gonzales / Catalan News Agency