diada

Hundreds of buses bring people from all over Catalonia to take part in demonstration

Institutional events on Catalonia's National Day focus on universal rights, honoring strong women such as Rosa Parks, Anna Politkóvskaia and Neus Català

The commemoration is just 20 days before the referendum on independence

Pro-independence civil society organizations aim to gather a massive crowd on September 11 as the clash between Catalan and Spanish governments reaches a tipping point

Authorities unveil official poster for September 11 while ANC head promises a Diada of ‘smiles’ in run-up to October 1 referendum  

This year’s mass protest for self-determination to feature giant yellow fluorescent plus sign in centre of Catalan capital two weeks before October 1 referendum

The 11^th September is Catalonia’s National Day, which commemorates those who were defeated by Bourbon troops on the same date in 1714, after defending Barcelona during a military siege that lasted 14 months. From that moment onwards, Catalonia lost its self-government institutions, its own laws and freedoms, and the Catalan language was banned and persecuted. The day has numerous ceremonies and celebrations throughout Catalonia. However, this year the commemoration of the National Day is marked by the proximity of the upcoming Catalan elections on the 27^th September and the electoral campaign. 

Two hundred people got together in London this Wednesday to celebrate in advance the National Day of Catalonia, which is celebrated on the 11th of September. At the event, attendees had indulged in gourmet Catalan products such as cava and participated in other Catalan traditions.