Sikhism in Spain

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Sikhism in Spain Spain
Sijs en Españal
Gurdwara Guru Darshan Sahib in Barcelona, Spain
Gurdwara Guru Darshan Sahib in Barcelona, Spain
Total population
26,000
Regions with significant populations
Barcelona · Madrid · Valencia
Religions
Sikhism
Languages
Punjabi · Spanish language

Sikhs in Spain are a minority religion group. The Sikh community in Spain is a small but fast growing group. According to the latest available data, there are estimated to be around 26,000 Sikhs living in the country.[1] The Sikh population in Spain has grown over the years, with many Sikhs migrating to the country for agricultural work, construction work or to start their own businesses.[2]

Sikhism in Spain dates back to the 1980s, where many Sikhs migrated as a result of relaxed immigration policies and labour shortages.

History[edit]

1990's to present[edit]

After Spain joined the European Union in 1986, it became attractive for a large number of Punjabi immigrants. The Sikh migration began in the early 1990s when Spain was undergoing a construction boom and was in a labour shortage.[3]

Since the 1990s, Sikhs from Punjab, India began to work in the agricultural, tourism and manufacturing sector. Many Sikhs also have opened up Indian restaurants around Spain.

Most Sikhs can be found in Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Alicante and Bilbao.

In 2017, the Catalonia Sikh Community gave assistance during the 2017 Barcelona attacks.[4]

Discrimination[edit]

  • In 2023, a Sikh boy was asked to remove his turban during a football match in Spain. According to a FIFA ruling, men football players can wear turbans during matches. [5]

Gurdwara[edit]

There are 12 Gurdwaras in Spain.[6]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Garha, Nachatter Singh. "Masculinity in the Sikh Community in Italy and Spain: Expectations and Challenges". Religions. 11 (2): 76. doi:10.3390/rel11020076.
  2. ↑ "How the recent Punjabi migration to Spain & Italy is a departure for the diaspora". Economic Times India.
  3. ↑ Kahlon, Swaran Singh. Sikhs in Continental Europe: From Norway to Greece and Russia to Portugal. Manohar. ISBN 9390035600.
  4. ↑ "Spanish Sikhs speak on Barcelona terror attack". Sikh PA.
  5. ↑ "Sikh boy asked to remove turban during football match in Spain". Tribune India. In Spain, a Sikh boy was asked by a referee to remove his turban during a football match. The whole situation was "humiliating" for 15-year-old Gurpreet Singh.
  6. ↑ "Gurdwaras in Spain". World Gurdwaras.


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