Our Lady of Africa in Spain 2023: Date, History, Facts about Ceuta

The Day of our Lady of Africa, or “Dia de Nuestra Seora de frica” in Spanish, is observed by Christians in Ceuta, Spain, on August 5. It is a very significant celebration and a public holiday in Ceuta. An annual festival that attracts a large number of people is held from July to August 5. The day and days preceding it are filled with activities. From placing flowers before Our Lady of Africa to participating in the procession with the Costaleros. This magnificent celebration will yield many benefits.

The background of Our Lady of Africa

Ceuta is located on the dividing line between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and shares a border with Morocco. Ceuta is one of the Spanish territories in Africa, along with Melila and the Canary Islands, and the only one with a permanent civilian population. The city became autonomous in March 1995. Christians, Muslims, and a small number of Sephardic Jews make up its population. Spanish is the official language, but 15 to 20% of the population also speaks Darija Arabic.

The Virgin Mary is honoured and celebrated on the Day of Our Lady of Africa, as she is the patron saint of Ceuta. This holiday is celebrated with religious ceremonies, particularly at the Church of Santa Maria de Africa, a Roman Catholic church, as well as numerous other festivities throughout Ceuta.

In August of 1415, the Portuguese, commanded by King John I, conquered Ceuta. Henry the Navigator’s son sent a portrait of Our Lady of Africa to the city in 1421 to be used as a blueprint for the construction of the First Church of Santa Mara de frica. Years later, in 1668, with the Treaty of Lisbon, King Afonso VI of Portugal formally ceded Ceuta to King Carlos II of Spain.

Numerous Christians visit the Plaza de frica in Ceuta on August 4 to set flowers in front of the statue of Our Lady of Africa or outside the church that houses the statue in observance of the Day of our Lady of Africa. On August 5, a procession with the statue of Our Lady of Africa takes place through the streets of Ceuta, during which people toss flowers onto the statue from their balconies.

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5 Interesting CEUTA Facts

Regarding Ceuta, Spain and Morocco have had numerous disagreements.

Ceuta, despite its location in Northern Africa, is a member of the European Union and employs the Euro.

Although many locals speak Darija Arabic, the official language of Ceuta is Spanish.

Ceuta is an autonomous Spanish metropolis located on the northern coast of Africa.

Numerous goods are smuggled into Morocco via the Port of Ceuta due to the low tax rate in Ceuta.

OUR LADY OF AFRICA DATES