Nearly 500 Armenian and Spanish demonstrators and foreigners had come out to the streets of Valencia and Mislata to pay their respects to the victims of the Armenian Genocide and demand once again that the governments of Valencia, Spain and Turkey recognize the Armenian Genocide and condemn that horrible crime against humanity, as reported the Ararat Armenian Association of Valencia to Hayern Aysor.

Among the participants of the march/demonstration were Advisors of the Municipality of Mislata for International Affairs and Equality Anna Maria Julian and Carmen Lapenian, speaker of Ciudadanos Party Jose Maria Gonzalez, speaker of the Lefts Union Party of the Municipality of Alacuas Carol Pino, former advisor of the Lefts Union Party and friend of the Armenian people Salvador Garcia, as well as Armenians from Manises, Silla, Carcaixent, Cullera, Liria and other cities. The march ended near the Cross of Life monument where the participants gave speeches, performed musical numbers, held a candlelight vigil and burned incense. The entire event was hosted by Vice-President of Ararat Armenian Association for Youth Affairs Sargis Brsoyan.

Brsoyan addressed the representatives of the cities with an open letter and called on them to be unwavering in the struggle of the Armenian people that is just and must end with recognition and reparations. Brsoyan also expressed gratitude to the cities that have already recognized the Armenian Genocide, adding that Carcaixent will officially recognize the first genocide of the 20^th century on 27 April, while Elda and Alacuas will recognize the Armenian Genocide on 28 April. Brsoyan’s speech was followed by speeches by representatives of the municipality, who expressed gratitude for the invitation, for not forgetting the past and reminding them again that they must not forget it so that it doesn’t repeat itself. The representatives gave the floor to President of Ararat Armenian Association Ararat Ghukasyan, who read the subsequent Resolution on Armenian Genocide Recognition to be submitted to the Parliament of Valencia. The resolution will most likely be discussed during the upcoming parliamentary session. The speeches were followed by songs and poems. Young singer/performer Edgar Martirosyan’s performances especially moved everyone, and little Khachik’s reciting simply amazed the attendees. Helena, 11, recited the famous words of great Armenian writer William Saroyan “about two Armenians” in Spanish, and Nona performed the Armenian songs “Dle Yaman” and “Kroonk”. The Lord’s Prayer was said during a candlelight vigil held near an Armenian monument.