Ceuta Replaces Christmas Holiday with Eid al-Fitr, Sparking Controversy

"They are removing December 26, the day after Christmas which falls on a Sunday, in favor of Ramadan which will be officially celebrated as in Morocco," said Carlos Verdejo, the Vox spokesman in Ceuta, who considers this change a "historic shame" and a "betrayal" of President Juan Vivas (PP).

To read: Far-Right Vox Party Pushes to Remove Muslim Holiday from Ceuta’s Work Calendar

Thus, Ceuta’s work calendar will include from 2022 the two main annual festivals of the Muslim community, the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) and the end of Ramadan (Eid el Fitr), reports Ok Diario. The day of Ceuta, celebrated on September 2, will also be considered a public holiday in the work calendar.

To read: Vox Criticizes Ceuta Government for Rescheduling Meeting Around Moroccan Eid al-Adha Date

The four Vox deputies who voted against this proposal, rather demanded the replacement of Eid al-Adha, a festival "which belongs neither to our tradition nor to our culture", by the celebration of Saint Daniel. "The principles of this new model will strengthen the multicultural, diversified and inclusive Ceuta in which all the inhabitants believe. They will thus be able to celebrate each year Maundy Thursday, the Epiphany, San Antonio, the Virgin of Africa and the two main Muslim festivals," explained Kissy Chandiramani, economic advisor and local deputy of the PP.