Last weekend we decided to meet a couple of friends and be part of the anti vaccination pass demonstration. Honestly, I did not think many would show up. Here in Spain there is approximately an eighty percent vaccination rate. Within my immediate network of friends and acquaintances, there are probably only a handful that have rejected the vaccine. A few have received the first shot, but the majority have wholeheartedly embraced the vaccine.
As people started to gather at the meeting point, there was an overall sense of community and understanding. There were nods and smiles being exchanged between strangers, and embraces between friends. The energy was steadily building, and a few speakers could be seen positioning themselves.
As more and more groups set up their banners, I found myself being drawn to the center of the plaza where a distinct buzz could be felt. My daughter and I made a quick round just to listen to a few speeches, while my husband and friends chatted towards the outer perimeter of the plaza.
Within minutes, the small buzz turned into a full blown hive of activity. The sounds of whistles and percussion echoed through the plaza, and soon our bodies just started to move in the direction of the main town hall.
We walked along the main street with the masses, chanting 'Libertad!' - Freedom. Some sang while others spoke using megaphones, questioning the public healthcare system and the government's continued lack of transparency throughout the pandemic.
At some point, we started lagging behind the rest and I was not able to continue any longer. But we did not mind. We had taken the first steps towards changing the current 'reality'. And it was good to be part of the greater community of people standing their ground against tyranny, mandated vaccines, and a very corrupt European Commission.