Our first full day in Barcelona is September 11 with is the National Day of Catalonia (as I have just learned.) I have researched and understand that this is a day when there may be some festivities as well as some organized protests by supporters of independence for the region. I have tickets for La Sagrada in the afternoon, and tickets for Park Guell in the later afternoon. Should I foresee issues or problems with transportation in getting to these sites? Can anyone who has experienced this in recent history comment? I would guess Covid affected things the last few years. I did a search here and couldn't find anything to help with this. Thank you!
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
My experience is admittedly not recent, but I don't think it would be problematic to be in town that day.
You're wise to plan things you know will be open, just to avoid "closed for holiday" disappointments.
Commemorations will be focused on a monument in a small plaza between Plaza de Catalunya and the Arc de Triumf. It might be easier to stay clear of there. Or if you're curious, walk by earlier in the day to see one of many community groups lay wreaths at the monument—it's a worthy cultural experience—especially if you're a fan of scratchy woodwind instruments.
The really big demonstrations have historically been related to times of particularly high tension between the Spanish and Catalan governments, which is not currently the situation.
Posted by
OP
North Carolina
21 posts
Thank you both. It sounds like we'll be fine. I appreciate your responses!
Posted by
Barcelona (Catalonia)
2939 posts
These are posts I wrote in the past, but still, most details are as valid for this year:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/spain/solo-traveler-in-barcelona-on-catalunya-day
@Scudder... a lot of people are quite annoyed by the 'appeasement' of the current Catalan government, while you indeed might not see 1.5 million on the streets this year, the figure -whatever it ends up being- will certainly be huge (in comparison to most demonstrations elsewhere). Keep in mind that Sep 11th is Catalonia's 4th of July, so to speak.
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Enric- I’m very familiar—I lived on c. Mendez Nuñez for a number of years. And I’d argue that the mournful vs celebratory natures make the American and Catalan holidays quite different.