I’m a full day late on my usual Where in Spain Wednesday post, but I promise I have a good reason. You see, yesterday was September 11, the Diada Nacional de Catalunya (the National Day of Catalonia), and this year, they marked the occasion with a Catalan human chain.
I had the day off work, so naturally, I headed out for a beer to celebrate, with the intention of writing afterwards. One little beer turned into more drinks and an all-night foam party until 5 a.m. Oops! I’m still puzzled as to how I managed it, but hey, these things happen…especially in Barcelona.
Anyway, yesterday was a big day in Catalunya. September 11th is the day they remember the defeat of the Catalan troops fighting on the Habsburgs’ side to the Bourbons on September 11, 1714 – in a way marking the day Catalonia fell under Spain’s control (well, kind of sort of, anyway).
Last year they had a record-breaking independence march on Barcelona. This year they created a Catalan human chain called the Via Catalana. It started in the Catalan regions of France and ending in the north of Valencia, linking hands at 17:14 across the whole region. This is a shot of some young independentistas watching the Via Catalana in Barcelona.
Catalan identity and politics are complicated, with a long history. I’m no expert by any means, but here’s a quick summary of what’s going on. A recent editorial by Catalonian president Artur Mas in the New York Times discusses Catalan identity’s roots through the centuries, mentioning key historical moments that molded this identity, like Spanish dictator Franco’s anti-Catalan laws.
He also explains the current financial issues further shaping the debate. Essentially, Catalans believe they pay more to the central Spanish government and receive less than their due. Now, they’re pushing for a referendum to vote on the future of Catalonia.
Whatever you think of Catalan politics, acknowledging and respecting the sentiment that “Catalonia is not Spain” is important to understanding the region, the people, and their history…even if you don’t agree with it.
For more reading on Catalan politics (which is a complex, thorny topic I didn’t even scratch the surface of in this little post):
- A Referendum for Catalonia – Artur Mas, president of Catalonia. Editorial in the New York Times.
- Catalans join hands in huge human chain for independence from Spain – The Guardian.
- Video: Catalans’ human chain stretches across north-east Spain – BBC.
- “Via catalana”: Lo que tienes que saber sobre la cadena humana por independencia – El Huffington Post article in Spanish with an overview of Catalan politics.
(P.S. apologize for being slow on blogging lately – a change to a self-hosted blog and a slew of real-life visitors have made it tough. It’s back to business now!)
Besos!
-Jess
Hi Jessica!
Interesting post you’ve made!
I would like to recommend you a nice video I discovered last week with my parents about the Catalan history and the reasons why we want to be an independent country. Is very very interesting!
Herewith I attach the link: http://www.alcaldes.eu/articulo/610
Kind regards!
Very interesting 🙂 I look forward to moving to Catalonia at the end of September!
Good luck with your big move! It’s a great place to live.
I would have loved to see the human chain, but on wed I was really tired and too lazy to go out!
Anyway I agree with you, this “catalan feeling” has to be respected, regardless what we actually think about the possibility of an independent Catalonia! I think this is the only way to get along well with 90% of the catalans 🙂
Haha I must admit, I was persuaded to go because I didn’t have anything to eat in my fridge and there were lots of cheap restaurants in the center to see!
And like you said, respecting the Catalan independence movement. is definitely important to get along socially.