On September 11, Catalans celebrate the Diada Nacional de Catalunya, commonly known as La Diada, the national holiday of Catalonia. On this day, Catalans take to the streets in large numbers to express their desire for independence and to uphold their culture and traditions. Here, you will find an overview of what to expect and what activities are taking place around this event in Barcelona.
La Diada
Every year on September 11th, you’ll see the Catalan flag proudly flying from balconies, buses, and government buildings. In various parts of the city, demonstrations and concerts are also organized, where the Catalan national anthem, Els Segadors (The Reapers’ Song), is sung.
On the day of Catalan Nationality, Catalonia commemorates the loss of the Battle of Barcelona in 1714 during the War of Spanish Succession, which led to a period of repression for many Catalan institutions. In 1980, this day was declared the national holiday of Catalonia.
Whereas in the past this day celebrated Catalan nationality, nowadays it is used by some separatist organizations as a political tool for the independence struggle. The demonstrations on September 11th grow larger each year and attract more people, including those from outside Barcelona.
Consequently, the march on September 11th, la manifestació de l’11 de setembre, has become a major event with millions of protesters demonstrating for separation from Spain.
How is La Diada Celebrated?
La Diada, the national holiday of Catalonia, is celebrated every year on September 11. This day has become a significant moment of Catalan pride and identity. In Barcelona, numerous events are organized, including flower tributes at monuments, large-scale demonstrations for Catalan independence, and cultural festivities. On this day, the city is adorned with a sea of red-and-yellow Catalan flags, as residents and visitors come together to celebrate their heritage and emphasize the unique identity of Catalonia.
Some of the key events you can experience during La Diada are as follows:
1. Independence Demonstration
During La Diada, a large march is always organized in Barcelona, where protesting Catalans express their hope for Catalonia to become an independent region once again. The demonstration usually starts at 17:14 (a tribute to the year 1714) and moves through the city center.
Most demonstrators are armed with flags (the Catalan flag or the estelada, the independence flag), buy special T-shirts for the September 11 demonstration, and participate in various activities to make the march as spectacular as possible.
2. Official Events
It’s also a tradition for the Catalan government and the Catalan parliament to hold an institutional event on the evening of September 10th. Additionally, each neighborhood in Barcelona organizes its own tribute.
On September 11th, flowers are also laid at the statue of Rafael Casanova (Ronda de Sant Pere, 41) and at the Fossar de les Moreres (next to the basilica Santa Maria del Mar), accompanied by various speeches.
3. Celebration for Independence
At the Passeig de Lluís Companys, the Festa per la Llibertat festival takes place every year, featuring performances by various Catalan music groups. In addition, political speeches are given by separatist organizations, and there is a fair with stands from Catalan entities.
The Festa per la Llibertat begins at 10:00 AM, with concerts starting at 6:30 PM.
👉 Read more about the independence issue and why many Catalans want to become independent.
4. Pilgrimage to Montserrat
Many Catalans make a pilgrimage to Montserrat on September 11th, the spiritual heart of the region and an important guardian of Catalan language and culture during the dictatorship.
5. Open Day
On September 11th, you can also visit various municipal buildings such as the Catalan Parliament (near Parc de la Ciutadella) and the Catalan government, the Palau de la Generalitat (near Plaça de Sant Jaume).
Museums like the MNAC art museum, the Museu d’Història de Catalunya history museum, the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria cultural center, and the Museu d’Arqueologia de Catalunya archeological museum in Barcelona are also free to visit on September 11th.
Good To Know
- September 11 is a public holiday; as a result, schools are closed, people have a day off, and shops are shut. At certain times, public transportation can be particularly crowded, and some streets may be closed due to the demonstrations.
- Due to the demonstrations, the center of Barcelona can become quite busy. If you do not wish to participate, it is advisable to avoid visiting the center of Barcelona on September 11.
- Due to the open house days, museums may also be busier.
- For more information about this event, you can also check the City of Barcelona’s website: https://www.barcelona.cat/en/living-in-bcn/diada
As you can see, September 11 is a very important day for many Catalans, and it is celebrated on a large scale in Barcelona. If you want to experience Catalan culture up close, this festival is definitely a must-do. Have you ever been in Barcelona during La Diada? What did you think of it?
