The Spanish royal family made a surprise visit to Catarroja, located in the Comunidad Valenciana, on Sunday, December 17, 2023, to offer support and comfort to the residents affected by the devastating flooding caused by the DANA storm on October 29. This unexpected appearance by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, along with their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofia, came as the community continues to recover from the disaster and particularly as residents gear up for Christmas.
This private visit, not on the official agenda of the Casa Real, began at the local market, where the family mingled with shoppers who were purchasing gifts and supplies for the festive season. The market was buzzing with activity, and as the royal family strolled through, they were greeted with enthusiastic cheers of “¡Viva el Rey!” from the residents. It was evident there was a sense of joy mixed with the solemnity of the past weeks, as the community expressed its endless gratitude for the royal presence.
During their stroll, King Felipe and Queen Letizia stopped to speak with local vendors and community members, listening to their stories and offering words of encouragement. Many residents took the opportunity to express their frustrations with local politicians, feeling neglected and abandoned since the disaster. "We feel abandoned by the authorities," one resident voiced, reflecting sentiments echoed by many others impacted by the storm.
After visiting the market, the family headed to El Palmar, where they dined at the Albufera restaurant. Owner Hans Peter Onofre recounted the surprise when the royal family arrived for their lunch reservation. "We had no idea they would be coming! When they walked through the door, everyone was stunned," he recalled. The royal family enjoyed traditional Valencian rice, laughing and engaging with diners, who took the chance to pose for photos with the royalty.
"The tourism seems to be reactivitating, and the cruises are returning to Valencia," Onofre shared with the king, who was eager to hear about the local concerns and the efforts to rebuild following the flooding. After sharing their meal, the royals asked for updates from the restaurant owner on how the DANA disaster affected business.
From El Palmar, the royal family continued their visit to nearby Picanya, where the community has been hard-hit by the floods. There, they visited affected areas and met with local officials, offering support and listening to residents' needs. The mayor of Picanya, Josep Almenar, remarked on the impact of the royal presence, stating, "The visit sent such positive energy through the community. It’s heartening to know we haven't been forgotten."
With eyes on even more local recovery, the royal family also made their way to Alaquàs, indulging the community's Christmas spirit by visiting the local markets where people were enjoying the holiday festivities. The surprise visit had residents buzzing with excitement and gratitude as they snapped pictures with the royals amid the festive atmosphere.
This surprise appearance marks the royal family's third visit to communities affected by the DANA flooding, demonstrating their commitment to connecting with and supporting those seeking recovery. Earlier, they had attended the funeral for the storm's victims on December 9, where King Felipe and Queen Letizia personally extended their condolences to grieving families.
On November 3, they visited Paiporta alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, reinforcing their commitment to help those affected. The couple has continued to check on the conditions of various municipalities impacted by the storm, maintaining contact with local mayors and continuing to uplift community morale.
The emotional heaviness of recent weeks hung over the community, yet the royal visit reminded the residents of their strength and resilience. The acknowledgment from the royal family, expressing empathy, has sparked renewed hope and determination to rebuild together as they look forward to brighter days.
This remarkable visit by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia stands as testimony to their solidarity with those facing the aftermath of natural disasters, emphasizing the royal family's dedication to the people and communities of Spain.
