As with each year, el poble (the village, the Catalan population) turned out in mass to show their support for an independent Catalunya. The day was filled with a sea of estelades, senyeres, banners, and an almost overwhelming sense of community. From the reports that I’ve listened to and read about the demonstrations, they were enough to give you goose-bumps.
The movement towards Catalan independence is not a movement that is only supported by a small number of ‘radical’ individuals, but rather is the coming together of people from all walks of life to fight for their freedom and ability to decide for themselves how their government is run, a real modern-day struggle for democracy. This desire for independence is fueled by the dissatisfaction with the administration of government in Spain and the lack of autonomy for the region. Entire families turned out to the demonstrations today, children decked out in red and gold stripes, grandparents flying flags large enough to cover entire vehicles, the energy was contagious. The crowds swelled filling Barcelona’s plazas and streets with over 1.5 million people creating an unstopable force that swept through the city.
At the close of the demonstration Carme Forcadell, the head of the ANC (Catalan National Assembly) a group that was one of the main supporters of the event, reported “Today we closed the first chapter of our journey. We ended the demonstration near the Parliament so that tomorrow they can begin their session.” (source: La Vanguardia) Keeping ever-present the reason behind their march, a push for change, for freedom.
This Diada, Catalunya made history with an incredible show of support for independence. The population remains hopeful and determined to continue on their journey towards a new Catalan state.
To better explain the spirit of the demonstrations here are a few of the slogans seen and heard at the marches today:
“Catalunya nou estat d’Europa” – Catalonia, the next European State
“És possible” – It’s possible
“Llibertat!”- Freedom!
“No al pacte fiscal, INDEPENDENCIA!” – No to the fiscal pact, INDEPENDENCE!
“Freedom for Catalonia!”
“We shall overcome”
“Goodbye Spain”
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Sources:
Image: La Vanguardia, A Panoramic photo of the demonstrations in the heart of Barcelona
Quote: La Vanguardia “Masiva manifestación por la independencia de Catalunya por la Diada”
horitzons macos 