21.04.2022, Madrid.
The “Immortal Regiment” procession will take place on May 8, 2022 in the center of Madrid, a Rossa Primavera News Agency correspondent wrote on April 21.
The Immortal Regiment has been held in Madrid since 2016. It is a popular initiative, which is attended not only by Russian compatriots living in Spain, but also by citizens of all former Soviet republics, including Ukrainians, as well as native Spaniards.
Almost every year, the procession involves representatives of the Russian Embassy with their families. Also on this day in Madrid, people come from other cities in Spain, all together to celebrate Victory Day.
The only time the regiment in Madrid was held online was in 2020, due to coronavirus restrictions imposed by the Spanish government and the ban on mass events.
As in previous years, on Sunday May 8 at 12 a.m., the column will begin its procession from the metro station Atocha. Participants in the procession will come with portraits of their relatives who fought against fascism on the fronts of Europe during World War II. Spaniards will also bring portraits of their relatives who fought against fascism during the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939.
This year, the organizers are Spanish associations that support the Russian anti-fascist movement “Immortal Regiment.” The organizers report that permission to hold the march in the delegation of the government has already been received, so the procession will take place legally.
Note that in connection with the Russian special operation in Ukraine and the accompanying information background in NATO countries, in Spain, as in many other countries, there is a growth of Russophobic sentiment. In addition, Spain, like many other EU countries, has received many refugees from Ukraine, among whom there are supporters of the Banderite ideology.
Moreover, at the end of World War II, the Franco-Regime granted refuge to many Banderites who fled from Ukraine. A radical Ukrainian diaspora was formed in Madrid. Because of this, provocations are possible during the march.
“This is an absolutely peaceful action. As in previous years, it is aimed to bring people together on Victory Day, a holy day for all of us. This year, despite the Russophobic sentiments, we do not intend to refuse to tell the whole world that Russia has never put up with Nazism and Fascism and will never put up with it, and intends to fight it wherever it raises its head. We shall be worthy heirs of our forefathers. This year, due to the tense world situation around Ukraine, we will take all possible security measures to prevent provocations,” one of the organizers of the march said.
Source: Rossa Primavera News Agency
