Torrevieja’s British Community Marks Remembrance Day with Traditional Poppy Day Ceremony

Annual event honors fallen soldiers and raises funds for veterans – uniting expats and locals in solemn tribute

TORREVIEJA, Spain – The British community in Torrevieja once again came together in a moving display of remembrance and solidarity to observe Poppy Day 2025, the traditional commemoration held annually in early November to honor military personnel who lost their lives in conflict. The event, organized by local British associations and supported by the Ayuntamiento de Torrevieja, took place at the Plaza de Oriente and featured a minute’s silence, wreath-laying, and the symbolic distribution of red poppies.

Held on the second Sunday of November — aligning with the UK’s official Remembrance Sunday — the ceremony drew dozens of British expatriates, many wearing poppies pinned to their lapels, alongside Spanish residents and municipal representatives. The event included the reading of the Kohima Epitaph, a poignant tribute to fallen soldiers, and the playing of The Last Post by a local bugler.

Poppy sales, a hallmark of the occasion, were conducted throughout the week leading up to the ceremony by volunteers from the Royal British Legion (RBL) Torrevieja & District Branch and other community groups. Funds raised support veterans, serving personnel, and their families through the RBL’s welfare programs.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
— Recited during the ceremony (from ‘For the Fallen’ by Laurence Binyon)

A Tradition Deeply Rooted in British Identity – Alive on the Costa Blanca

The red poppy has been a symbol of remembrance since World War I, inspired by the famous poem In Flanders Fields by Canadian lieutenant-colonel John McCrae. In the UK and Commonwealth nations, millions wear the flower in the days leading up to November 11 — Armistice Day — with proceeds supporting the Royal British Legion, founded in 1921.

In Torrevieja, home to one of the largest British expat populations in Spain (estimated at over 12,000 registered residents), Poppy Day has become a cherished annual tradition. The event not only honors historical sacrifice but also strengthens community bonds between British residents and their Spanish hosts.

More Than a Ceremony: Building Bridges and Supporting Veterans

While the act of remembrance remains central, the event also serves a practical purpose. All proceeds from poppy sales go directly to the RBL’s support services, which include financial aid, mental health resources, and care for elderly veterans across the UK and overseas. In Spain, the Torrevieja branch plays a crucial role in assisting British veterans living on the Costa Blanca, many of whom face challenges accessing UK-based services.

The local council has consistently supported the event, providing the venue and logistical assistance. This collaboration reflects Torrevieja’s reputation as a welcoming, multicultural city — one that respects and integrates the traditions of its large international population.

A Growing Tradition with Lasting Impact

Over the years, Poppy Day in Torrevieja has grown in attendance and visibility. What began as a small gathering of British residents has evolved into a public act of unity, with Spanish locals increasingly participating by purchasing poppies and attending the ceremony.

Organizers have also introduced educational initiatives, visiting local schools to explain the significance of the poppy and the importance of remembrance. This outreach helps ensure that younger generations — both British and Spanish — understand the sacrifices made in past conflicts.

Looking ahead, the RBL Torrevieja Branch plans to expand its year-round welfare work, including regular coffee mornings, support groups, and emergency assistance for veterans in the region. The success of Poppy Day 2025 will directly fund these efforts.

A Shared Moment of Reflection

As the bugle faded and the crowd dispersed, many lingered to share stories, purchase poppies, or simply stand in quiet reflection. For Torrevieja’s British community, Poppy Day is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a vital link to home, history, and hope.

In a city built on salt, sun, and international harmony, the red poppy remains a powerful emblem: of loss, of gratitude, and of a community that remembers.

Lest we forget.