What Happens On The Catalan National Day?

Each year on September the 11th, large processions and demonstrations are organized throughout the towns and cities of Catalonia on what is known as the Catalan National Day, or more commonly ‘La Diada.’ The occasion marks an important date in the history of the area and one which continues to have particular significance to those who believe in an independent region.

What happened on September 11th?

It was on this day in 1714 that the Catalan troops were defeated in Barcelona at the end of the War of Spanish Succession, which had lasted since July 1702. The war was fought to decide who would take over as King of Spain after the previous ruler, the Habsburg King Charles II, had died childless and so with no one to take over the throne. The war opposed Archduke Charles of Austria on the side of the Habsburg Monarchy, backed by England, Scotland, Prussia and Holland, and the forces of the Bourbon king, Philip V of Spain (originally from France).

The Catalan capital had been seized by Archduke Charles in 1705, and it wasn’t long before the local authorities, known as the Catalan Courts, accepted the Archduke as their new ruler. Until then, and since 1641, the area had been an independent Republic with its own political autonomy and constitution, under the protection of France.

As a result of what was seen as a betrayal on behalf of the Catalan province, the Bourbon king imposed the Nueva Planta decree which revoked the region’s political autonomy and abolished its constitution. There were also important administrative sanctions and the University of Barcelona, one of the oldest in Spain, was moved to Cervera. The Catalan language was officially banned, having major cultural repercussions in the area.

Why is this day so important in Catalonia?

The date was first marked as a national holiday in the province in 1886 and quickly became a symbol of its national identity and heritage. For many, September 11th represents the day that Catalonia’s independence was lost for the last time in history and the beginning of its submission to the Spanish monarchy.

The castellers – a unique Catalan tradition

Unsurprisingly, given the wide anti-Catalan sentiment of the authorities at that time, the celebration of the Catalan National Day was forbidden throughout the dictatorship of General Franco. It was not until 1980 that the national day was once again celebrated, upon the restoration of the autonomous government of Catalonia.

Significantly, there is a large independence movement here in Catalonia, with many citizens wishing to see the area regain full political independence and freedom from the central political powers in Madrid. For this reason, each year on the Diada, processions and demonstrations are organized by political parties, trade unions, and other pro-independence movements who see this as an occasion to display their opposition.

However, for some people, it is also simply a day to celebrate Catalan culture and identity, without any particular political message. In many towns and villages across Catalonia, festivities are organized with displays of traditional folklore such as the sardenya – and ancient type of group dance – or castellers, the impressive human pyramids. There, the Diada is simply an occasion to celebrate the best of Catalan culture and take pride in its cultural heritage.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.