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In an almost overwhelming display of grief and fury, over 50,000 Valencians flooded the streets of Valencia City yet again on Saturday, October 25, chanting “Mazón dimisión” in the 12th monthly protest since the catastrophic DANA floods of October 29, 2024. The demonstration, organised by more than 200 civic, social, and victims’ groups, marked the eve of the tragedy’s first anniversary, which claimed 229 lives and left entire communities in ruins, many of which continue to pick up the pieces of their lives and income today. Tractors used to clear mud used lead 12th monthly demonstration As tractors led the march from Plaza de San Agustin to Plaza de la Virgen, participants waved photos of lost loved ones and effigies of regional President Carlos Mazón smeared in symbolic mud and blood, which expressed, after a year of mourning, the still unheeded calls for accountability. The DANA – a high-level isolated depression – unleashed torrential rains, turning the Turia River basin into a deadly torrent. Flash floods ravaged Horta Sud, Paiporta, and Catarroja, with emergency alerts delayed until 8.11pm, hours after waters had risen lethally, and misleading residents to rush out to save their cars. Critics, including victims’ families, lambast Mazón for putting a leisurely lunch at El Ventorro restaurant with journalist Maribel Vilaplana over crisis coordination at CECOPI headquarters. “We still don’t know what Carlos Mazón was doing that afternoon,” said Mariló Gradolí, president of the Associació de Víctimes de la Dana 29 d’Octubre, speaking at the rally’s start. “We demand truth for all victims – justice in courts, society, and politics.” 12 months on, the same question remains – Why? Antonio Banderas took to X to repost his own post from 364 days before, saying, “Why aren’t Army helicopters with food, water and medicine sent to the Valencia peoples affected by the DANA? Why are there not diggers to open roads, portable communication centres, field hospitals? Why are our taxes and resources better utilised elsewhere? Why?” Polls reflect deep public discontent: 80 per cent of Valencians disapprove of Mazón’s leadership, according to a recent Prensa Ibérica survey. Protests have swelled from 10,000 attendees in November 2024 to today’s estimated 50,000, as reported by the Government Delegation (though local police cited 32,000). Banners screamed “Mazón culpable” and “20:11 ni oblit ni perdó,” referencing the belated emergency ES-Alert. Toñi García, who lost her husband and daughter in the floods, demanded, “This person won’t resign, so we must remove him by any means for his negligence.” Legally, Mazón faces mounting scrutiny. The Valencia Court of Appeal has ordered Vilaplana’s testimony on November 3, probing evidence tampering allegations. Ongoing investigations in Catarroja examine protocol failures, with no charges yet but probes into the full Consell. Reconstruction stalls amid opacity: €1.5 billion in aid pledged, yet still 15 per cent of affected businesses remain shuttered, and many families continue to suffer displacement. A morning tribute at Olympia Theatre featured muixeranga performances and victim testimonies, in a mix of memory with militancy. “Reivindicación is also memoria,” Gradolí affirmed. As the exact anniversary nears on October 29 – with a state funeral planned – Valencians vow persistence. For support resources, visit the Associació de Víctimes de la Dana. Will this pressure force change? The streets say yes, as Mazón‘s grip on power weakens.
