‘Where does it end?’ Far-right’s gains raise fears for LGBTQ+ freedoms in Spain

Human rights groups warn voters to heed the precedent being carved out in Castilla y León by Spain’s far right. Photograph: Thomas Coex/AFP/Getty Images

Pride celebrations have long been a small but raucous affair in the northern Spanish city of Valladolid. Setting off from a singular triangle-shaped plaza, a dozen drummers lead hundreds through the narrow streets of the largest city in Castilla y León.

But this year – after the region became a showcase for the far right’s first foray into Spanish government since the Franco dictatorship – the shift in tone was palpable.