Yesterday was Catalonia’s national day called “la diada”. Hundreds of thousands of people filled Avinguda Meridiana (5,2 km) to rally for independence: local police said 1.4 million people turned out and the Spanish government put the figure at no more than 550,000. For me the number is not the most important part: TV pictures showed at least tens of thousands of independence supporters filling the streets.
The protesters formed a giant arrow, to symbolize the direction that Catalonia is taking toward nationhood.
You can see the images: it was a giant and ten colours human mosaic (in reference to the ten key values that the movement has called the foundation upon which the new state should be built).
 |
| Meridiana Avenue |
 |
| més fotos aquí |
You can see the images: it was a giant and ten colours human mosaic (in reference to the ten key values that the movement has called the foundation upon which the new state should be built).
It was at the latter part of the 15th century, when Spain was born from the union of the Crown of Aragon (where Catalonia belonged) and the Crown of Castile. However, until 18th century Catalonia have distinctive rules, institutions and laws. It was on 1714 when we lost it at the war of Spanish Succession, when Philip V of Spain issued a centralized Spanish rule. On September 11th we commemorate the end of the siege of Barcelona in 1714 (after 14 months of siege).
Political parties traditionally lay floral offerings at the monuments of the leaders and at the Fossar de les Moreres (when they pay homage to the defenders of the city who died during the siege). Moreover, usually on September 11th there are cultural events in most of Catalan village and many citizens wave “senyeres” the Catalan flag. However, from 2012 until today the civil society has organized massive demonstration: more than 1 million participants have been calling, at the beginning, for the right to vote, and this year we call for the independence.
You can see that it was a civic and organized event: The day is marked by high turnout and no incident highlighted. In my case, I wasn't asking for independence four years ago, but after the last events, I've come to the conclusion that this is the only way: we realize that we're suffocating economically and emotionally.
Catalan government tried to organize a referendum in order to decide if Catalan people want to live in an independent state (2014 November 9th). However, the Spanish government bans Catalonia's 'independence consultation' vote.
This month we have a regional parliamentary election (on Sept. 27). Some of the parties, together with some civil institution, have been grouped in a joint list of candidates “Together for Yes” (it includes pro-indy parties CDC, ERC, some from PSC, and some from ICV). Moreover a leftist Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) calls for an immediate declaration of independence right after the vote.
I know, maybe this is not the correct way to make a referendum, but nowadays it has seen as the only option to know how many catalan people wants the independence, I think it is a make-or-break chance for Catalonia to become a new European state.
According to the images, for the fourth year in a row, on Catalonia’s national day, we have had one of the largest demonstrations in the history of Europe. Maybe we have something to say….
Political parties traditionally lay floral offerings at the monuments of the leaders and at the Fossar de les Moreres (when they pay homage to the defenders of the city who died during the siege). Moreover, usually on September 11th there are cultural events in most of Catalan village and many citizens wave “senyeres” the Catalan flag. However, from 2012 until today the civil society has organized massive demonstration: more than 1 million participants have been calling, at the beginning, for the right to vote, and this year we call for the independence.
 |
| 11th September 2012: Catalan demonstration. |
 |
| 11th September 2013 400km Human chain |
 |
| 11th September 2014 Human Catalan Flag |
Catalan government tried to organize a referendum in order to decide if Catalan people want to live in an independent state (2014 November 9th). However, the Spanish government bans Catalonia's 'independence consultation' vote.
This month we have a regional parliamentary election (on Sept. 27). Some of the parties, together with some civil institution, have been grouped in a joint list of candidates “Together for Yes” (it includes pro-indy parties CDC, ERC, some from PSC, and some from ICV). Moreover a leftist Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) calls for an immediate declaration of independence right after the vote.
I know, maybe this is not the correct way to make a referendum, but nowadays it has seen as the only option to know how many catalan people wants the independence, I think it is a make-or-break chance for Catalonia to become a new European state.
According to the images, for the fourth year in a row, on Catalonia’s national day, we have had one of the largest demonstrations in the history of Europe. Maybe we have something to say….
