L'estate perduta dei bambini di Ceuta: "Mamma, è un incubo?"

Children in Ceuta have been left stranded during their summer holidays amid a growing migrant influx into the Spanish enclave, with parents describing the situation as a nightmare for their families. A nine-year-old boy recently asked his mother, Yolanda, “Mom, is this a dream?” as he struggled to comprehend the chaos unfolding around him. The sight of hundreds of migrants wandering through the streets, combined with the sound of sirens and the militarized presence in the city, has created an environment that feels surreal to many local residents. The arrival of over 72,000 undocumented migrants on July 30 and 31 has disrupted life in Ceuta, forcing families to abandon their vacation plans. Children who once enjoyed the long days of summer, playing at the beach, attending festivals, watching movies, and participating in sports, are now confined to their homes. Parents say they have had to cancel trips to the park, movie theaters, and even family outings to cafes. Instead, children spend their time playing video games, making video calls with friends, taking longer naps, and enduring boredom. Many feel their summer has been stolen, leaving them isolated and anxious. Yolanda, a parent of one child, described how her son stopped eating and sleeping properly after the migrants arrived. She tries to keep things calm for her child, occasionally taking him out for small errands or meals, but she fears the psychological toll on both her and her son. Other parents share similar concerns. Ikram, a mother of two children aged five and ten, said her older son stays home all day playing video games while she takes the younger one out occasionally for shopping or other tasks. She added that the entire family is struggling psychologically due to the ongoing crisis. Psychologists warn that the lack of outdoor activity and social interaction can have lasting effects on children’s mental health. Dr. Luis Antón explained that being confined indoors affects children's physical and emotional well-being, increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. Without sunlight, children may experience delayed sleep patterns and more frequent awakenings. Social isolation further compounds these issues, leading to feelings of loneliness and frustration. In Ceuta, beaches that were once bustling with locals are now dominated by migrants. One parent described how the popular Chorrillo Beach, usually filled with families enjoying the sun and sand, has become unusable due to waste and human excrement left behind by migrants. Another parent mentioned that the Trampoline Beach, a favorite spot for families, has turned into a battleground where conflicts often erupt between locals and migrants. These changes have left many children feeling excluded and frustrated, especially since their expectations for a fun-filled summer have been dashed. Local parks have also suffered under the weight of the crisis. A father, who requested anonymity due to his military affiliation, noted that the park frequented by his family was taken over by migrants who spent weeks sleeping on cardboard boxes in the gardens. He described how some individuals used the park’s facilities for personal needs, leaving behind waste in hidden corners, near playground equipment, and in areas where children typically play. This has made the spaces unsuitable for local families, adding another layer of stress to an already difficult situation. Parents and community members continue to call for solutions to the ongoing crisis, which shows no signs of abating. With no clear resolution in sight, the summer that should have brought joy and relaxation to Ceuta’s youth has instead become a season marked by fear, uncertainty, and loss.