Pro-independence civic group organizes demonstrations for September 11
Protest in Barcelona expected to be 12th mass National Day celebration
The pro-independence civic group Catalan National Assembly (ANC) has announced a demonstration on Catalonia's National Day, on September 11. A protest will take place throughout Barcelona to "mobilize confrontation" with Spain.
For the past 12 years, mass pro-independence demonstrations have taken place with millions of civilians participating in the "Diada de Catalunya" events.
In this year's presentation of the demonstration, ANC President Dolors Feliu presented the route which will cross Barcelona, with different groups meeting in Plaça Espanya; a location which the organization has re-named 'Plaça 1 d'Octubre,' in reference to the date that Catalonia's independence referendum, deemed illegal, was held in 2017.
According to Feliu, every starting point will symbolize a value of the National Day: freedom, language and culture, the country, and sovereignty.
The march will be done under the slogan 'Via Fora,' which Dolors Feliu said is "inspired by a phrase used by our predecessors to defend freedom."
The colors used in the shirt design are blue and gold, as they aim to
"appeal to Europe and make it evident that there is a nation that is not recognized that is fighting for its rights."
ANC has also stated that "this year's demonstration is the most transversal yet, as it is focused on the civil movement and not the parties." Last year's demonstration was the first since 2015 that a Catalan president did not attend, due to the division in the pro-independence camp.