Spain facing new chapter in centuries-long battle over women's face coverings
Debates over women’s face coverings have resurfaced in Spain, blending historical tradition with modern political tensions. In some regions, full-body veils like the burqa and niqab face growing opposition, while centuries-old customs such as Las Cobijadas endure as symbols of local identity. Recent proposals to ban Islamic face coverings have divided politicians, with some framing the issue as a feminist cause and others as a clash of cultures.
Spain’s complicated relationship with women’s face coverings stretches back centuries. In 1566, King Philip II banned the production of Muslim-style clothing and forbade women from covering their faces. Similar restrictions reappeared in 1931 and during the Civil War, when authorities cited security concerns to outlaw Las Cobijadas—traditional head-to-toe garments worn in parts of Andalusia.
Today, Las Cobijadas survive in Vejer de la Frontera, where a handful of women don the attire a few days each year as part of a local festival. For some, the garment represents regional pride and even feminist defiance. Yet its history remains contested, with critics linking it to past Muslim influence.
Modern political battles now focus on Islamic face coverings. The far-right Vox party has pushed for a nationwide ban on burqas and niqabs, arguing they conflict with Spanish values, women’s rights, and public safety. Meanwhile, the conservative Partido Popular (PP) backs narrower restrictions, targeting only these garments in public spaces.
In Alcantarilla, Socialist councillor Lara Hernández proposed a municipal ban on burqas and niqabs—not on cultural grounds, but as a feminist stance. Surprisingly, her resolution gained support from PP and Vox politicians, highlighting shifting alliances on the issue. If passed, the measure would bar such attire from all public buildings in the town by 2024.
The push to restrict Islamic face coverings in Spain reflects broader debates over identity, security, and gender equality. While some towns preserve historical veiling traditions, others move to ban modern versions, framing the issue in feminist or cultural terms. The outcome of these proposals will determine how Spain balances tradition, individual rights, and evolving political priorities.
