National Day of Catalonia

The National Day of Catalonia, known as La Diada Nacional de Catalunya, is observed annually on September 11. This date marks the fall of Barcelona in 1714 during the War of Spanish Succession, when Catalan and other allied forces surrendered to the Bourbon army of King Philip V. The defeat led to the abolition of Catalan constitutional institutions, the suppression of the Catalan language in official spheres, and the imposition of the Nueva Planta decrees, which centralized the Spanish state. The Diada was officially recognized as a national day by the Parliament of Catalonia in 1980, following the restoration of democracy in Spain, and has since become a symbol of Catalan identity, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of self-determination. Over the decades, the holiday has evolved from a day of remembrance into a powerful expression of Catalan nationalism, with large-scale demonstrations and cultural events that draw millions of participants.

On the Diada, Catalans display the senyera—the distinctive red-and-yellow striped flag—from balconies and windows, and many wear yellow ribbons or clothing as symbols of political protest. The day typically begins with a ceremonial flower offering at the monument to Rafael Casanova, a leading defender of Barcelona in 1714, in the city's Sant Jaume Square. Throughout the day, political parties, trade unions, and civic organizations organize peaceful demonstrations, often calling for Catalan independence. Cultural activities include open-air concerts, sardana dances (traditional circle dances), human towers (castells), and poetry readings. Families and friends gather for festive meals featuring local specialties such as pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato), botifarra (sausage), and cava, a sparkling wine. The most common greeting on this day is 'Bon Dia de la Diada!' or 'Feliç Diada Nacional!'.