[infox] Attention: FOR THOSE IN BARCELONA ON SEPT 11th

Whether you relate or not to this highly patriotic commemorative day, the plasticity and visually striking characteristics of the events of this very special day are worth seeing. Furthermore, due to the current political climate in Spain, you might end up living in a truly historical event, one of those that will appear in the History books a few years down the road. Be part of it!

Yet, if you're not interested, most of the regular sites often visited by tourists will continue to be open albeit in the areas where the activities of our National Day are celebrated, expect lots of people -in the hundreds of thousands- thus mobility can be challenging. For example, on years when the afternoon demonstration is held in the district of l'Eixample, reaching Casa Batlló or La Pedrera on this day can be 'complicated' after 4pm.

The special events and everything else related to this day happening in Barcelona can be followed here: https://www.barcelona.cat/en/living-in-bcn/diada

Albeit every Diada might have different events, there are, however, a number of them that are repeated year after year:

SEPT 10th
(In the evening)

• At El Born, the Government and Parliament of Catalonia hold an institutional act set that pays homage to Human Rights, Democracy and Freedom. Some parliaments by government officials and other public figures.

• The "Marxa de les Torxes" (Torch March), honouring the fallen heroes in the defence of Catalonia during the Spanish Succession War is celebrated in many cities across Catalonia. Despite being a commemoration of a defeat, it is a reclaiming, peaceful, highly emotional event that even gives goosebumps to tourists who observe it. A torch march is visually and emotionally compelling thanks to its symbolic use of fire, uniting participants in a powerful display of solidarity. The interplay of flickering flames, dark surroundings, and historical or cultural significance creates a stirring atmosphere, further heightened by the participants' passion and dedication, leaving a lasting impact. See https://beteve.cat/politica/marxa-torxes-diada-2018/

SEPT 11th
(In the morning)

• Laying of the wreath by the President of Catalonia, and later by the President of the Parliament, to the Rafael de Casanova monument, a hero of the Catalan resistance. Located in Ronda de Sant Pere, 41 -not far from Arc de Triomf. In this day, institutions, civil associations, political parties and thousands of citizens pay homage to this historical figure by making flower offerings to his monument during the whole morning.

• Open day at the Palau de la Generalitat -our equivalent to the White House, as in that has been the centre of power in Catalonia... since the 12th century :) - which is located in Plaça Sant Jaume, at the heart of the Old City, and also open day at the Parliament in the Parc de la Ciutadella. Both are very historical buildings worth visiting, yet expect a large number of visitors this day. They can also be visited on specific days during the month, also for free, but then pre-booking is necessary. See details https://presidencia.gencat.cat/en/ambits_d_actuacio/palau-de-la-generalitat/portes-obertes-al-palau/index.html and also https://www.parlament.cat/web/index.html

-end of part 2-

• Parade of historical units of the Catalan armies of the 18th century by the members of the Miquelets de Catalunya and La Coronela de Barcelona, two historical re-enactment associations: Cavalry units in La Ciutadella, Infantry units at Plaça Nova (in front of the Cathedral) then marching towards Plaça Sant Jaume, Reials Guàrdies Catalanes and gun salute at Plaça Sant Jaume, drills and singing of the Catalan National anthem at noon at the Fossar de Les Moreres, in front of Santa Maria del Mar church. To be frank, I think these well-intended military enthusiasts are far too strict on their schedules... they know, year after year, that is far too tight and normally there are delays on the parade due to the large affluence of the public in the streets of the centre of Barcelona during this day. Anyway, note this is a reenactment by private associations, not a government-sponsored act, thus don't expect the majesty and pomposity or the grandeur of military parades elsewhere. History buffs will thrill with the richness of the historical uniforms and their 18th-century weaponry, for the rest of mortals, it's a visually beautiful and fun thing to see. Period.

Some shots hereafter from parades in previous years ... yep, I really am a history buff, LOL!
https://vimeo.com/863087716

• The large demonstration, the highlight of the day, will commence at 5:14pm exactly. Why? because we use 24h clocks here, and 5:14pm is 17h14", which is the year of the defeat of the city, Sep 11th, 1714. Hundreds of thousands will start gathering alongside that year's route (or routes!) Like every year, groups of castellers (human towers), traditional folk music and other heritage demonstrations will be offered by many of the participants. Every year there are many buses coming to this event with people from all over Catalonia, train lines have been reinforced with a large number of additional convoys throughout the day and there are over 2000 volunteers in the street that help to coordinate the event so it proceeds without a glitch -like every year, I must say. Albeit attendance vary from one year to the next -depending on many factors- previous demonstrations have gathered from 400,000 to 1.8 million people. No matter how you look at it, it's a lot of people!

• At the end of the demonstration there are free music concerts by some of the best known Catalan pop groups in the music scene.

Enjoy, and visca Catalunya!

-end-

Thank you Enric!
I was in Barcelona on Sept 11 in 2004. I was totally uninformed about the significance of the day but after seeing flyers posted on walls, made my way to some of the sites. It was moving and interesting even with the limited understanding I had. It was before cell phones so I couldn't just google it. It would have been so good to have the background you posted. Even now, reading it gives me a better sense of how the historical context relates to contemporary politics in the region.