Tens of thousands of people protested across Spain on Monday, overshadowing the country’s national day celebrations. The demonstrations were sparked by the recent crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish enclave in North Africa, where over 8,000 migrants crossed the border from Morocco. The influx occurred after Morocco relaxed border controls, allegedly in response to Spain’s hosting of Brahim Ghali, the leader of the Polisario Front, a group seeking independence for Western Sahara. Protesters voiced outrage at the situation, criticizing both the Moroccan government's actions and the Spanish government's handling of the crisis. The events have heightened diplomatic tensions between Madrid and Rabat. Spain has since deployed additional security forces to Ceuta and begun returning migrants to Morocco. The national day, typically a display of patriotism, was instead marked by widespread discontent and political demonstrations.