Copyright euroweeklynews
On October 31, 2025, Alicante officially endorsed the celebration of Reformation Day, hosting an institutional ceremony in the Centro Municipal de las Artes. The event saw the participation of the vice-mayor, Manuel Villar, the Culture councillor, Nayma Beldjilali, and key pastors from the local Evangelical community, alongside church members and civic groups. The day marks the anniversary of Martin Luther’s historic posting in 1517 – a moment that sparked debates about faith, doctrine, and religious practice. In Alicante, it has become an occasion to recognise the Evangelical Church’s lasting influence in the city’s social, cultural, and religious life. Statements of Support Vice-mayor Villar highlighted the importance of the Reformation, stressing how it promoted freedom of thought, education as a right, and a more just society. He praised the Evangelical Church’s ongoing social work in Alicante’s neighbourhoods. Councillor Beldjilali added that the Evangelical community is one of the most socially relevant minority religions in Spain, especially in the Valencian region. She noted that Alicante alone has more than 40 Protestant churches and over 5,000 faithful. She also said the municipality is committed to removing any barriers to religious freedom. During the event, pastors José Ángel Padilla, Claudio Anauati, and Samuel Justo spoke about how the Reformation was not just a theological shift – it was a turning point that shaped values of freedom, community, and social justice. Why This Moment Matters By officially recognising Reformation Day, the city underscores its respect for Alicante’s diverse religious heritage. The event aligns with a 2017 institutional declaration, approved unanimously by the City Council, that commits to celebrating the historical and cultural contributions of the Evangelical Church. This celebration isn’t just a symbolic one: it’s part of a broader effort by Alicante’s municipal government to facilitate religious coexistence and positive dialogue – affirming that public institutions value all expressions of faith, no matter what they are or how they are expressed.
