National Day of Catalonia 2025 in Spain

The National Day of Catalonia, celebrated on September 11, commemorates the fall of Barcelona in 1714 during the War of Spanish Succession. It is a day of remembrance and Catalan pride, marked by political demonstrations, cultural events, and tributes to those who defended Catalonia's institutions and identity.

National Day of Catalonia: A Public Holiday?

National Day of Catalonia is a public holiday in Catalonia, Spain. Most businesses and schools close, and the day is marked by political events, cultural activities, and demonstrations celebrating Catalan identity.

National Day of Catalonia

The National Day of Catalonia, known as La Diada, is celebrated every year on September 11. It marks the fall of Barcelona in 1714 during the War of Spanish Succession, when Catalonia lost its political autonomy to King Philip V of Spain. After a long siege, Barcelona surrendered to Bourbon forces, leading to the suppression of Catalan laws, institutions, and language under the Nueva Planta decrees.

For centuries, this event symbolized loss and struggle for Catalans. However, in the 20th century, La Diada became a day of remembrance and resilience, growing into a movement for Catalan cultural and political identity. It was officially recognized as Catalonia's national holiday in 1980. Today, it is not only a historical commemoration but also a strong statement of Catalan pride, democracy, and the ongoing debate over the region's political future.

National Day of Catalonia Celebration in Spain

On September 11, thousands of Catalans take to the streets to commemorate La Diada. The day starts with official ceremonies honoring those who defended Catalonia in 1714. Floral offerings are placed at monuments such as the Fossar de les Moreres, a historical site in Barcelona where fallen Catalan soldiers were buried. People wave Catalan flags (senyeres and estelades), sing traditional songs, and pay tribute to their cultural heritage.

The day is also filled with public demonstrations and political rallies. Many Catalans use La Diada to express their views on regional autonomy and independence, with large gatherings held across Barcelona and other cities. Cultural events, including concerts, poetry readings, and human tower performances (castells), bring a festive spirit to the occasion. Families and friends also gather to enjoy traditional Catalan food and celebrations.

Beyond the politics, the National Day of Catalonia is about identity, unity, and remembrance. It reminds Catalans of their rich history and the importance of preserving their language, traditions, and self-governance. Whether seen as a tribute to the past or a call for the future, La Diada remains one of the most significant and symbolic days in Catalonia's calendar.

National Day of Catalonia Observances