COFFEE BEANS & BEINGS: CEUTA'S TEMPEST IN A COFFEE CUP

Aura, a new coffee house opened in Ceuta in March.  Mohamed (pictured) is the proud new owner.

Earlier this month, the seven-square-mile Spanish city of Ceuta (below)  has been in the international news following an extraordinary two-day surge in which an estimated 50,000 to 60,000 migrants crossed its border from Morocco. 

FYI: Ceuta occupies a strategic position on the North African coast, bordered by Morocco and the Strait of Gibraltar. Portugal captured the city in 1415. It came under Spanish rule in 1580, and Portugal formally recognized Spanish sovereignty in 1668. Morocco continues to dispute Spain’s possession of Ceuta. 

The latest crisis overwhelmed the small city. Shops closed, food became scarce and Spanish troops and additional police were sent to reinforce local authorities. By the weekend, most of those who had crossed had returned to Morocco. The human cost was appalling. Spanish authorities reported that at least 70 people died, some by drowning and others during the crush near the border barriers. 

Whoever encouraged the mass crossing—whether traffickers, political operatives or reckless voices spreading false information online—must bear responsibility for helping turn desperation into catastrophe. Ceuta is now slowly returning to normal. 

Residents are venturing outside again, businesses are reopening and customers are returning to the cafés that ordinarily help give this unusual Spanish outpost its character. 

In quieter times, Ceuta is a tourist city whose coffee houses reflect its mixture of Spanish, Mediterranean and North African influences. 

Among other Cueta coffee centric receiving favorable attention are: 

--Bollo, at Calle General Serrano Orive, 5, combines a neighborhood bakery with brunch dishes and homemade cheesecakes in a relaxed, dog-friendly setting. 

###

--Cafetería Monalisa, at Avenida Cañonero Dato, 21, offers coffee, fresh juices and Arabic sweets accompanied by views across the harbor. 

###

--Café Solano 1999, at Calle Teniente Coronel Gautier, 6, is known as a welcoming neighborhood café serving tea, coffee and traditional Spanish breakfast toast. 

###