National Day of Catalonia plays an important part in the lives not only of the residents of Barcelona but the region as a whole. Each year on the 11th September the people of the Catalan region celebrate the recapture of Barcelona by the Bourbon Forces in 1714.
However rather that celebrating a victory the people of this part of Spain including those in Barcelona like to use it as a day of reflection. They like to remember that the defeat incurred by the people of the city, which is the Catalan regions capital, marked a very significant change in the region’s fortunes.
The 11th September is a public holiday and as you take the time to explore the city on this day you’ll see many different traditions that are part of the Catalan culture being acted out. One particular tradition that you’ll come across is where groups of people climb on to one and others shoulders in an attempt to see how tall their human castle can be. Known as castellers these are amazing to watch being created and you’ll be amazed at the courage one small child will have who stands at the very top.
This year’s National Day of Catalonia is one of extreme importance, as it is the events tri-centenary. As a result of this, a number of special events have been organized. If you have the opportunity to be there then I would highly recommend you head over to the Born Cultural Centre as here from 11.30am they will be holding the “Human Tower Day of 1714”.
After you have spent time here why not make your way over to Avinguda Diagonal and Gran Via de les Corts for 5.14pm (17.14) when an event known as Via Catalana 2014 is going to take place. The aim of this event is to create a massive v-shaped line of people that aims to fill the two streets I mentioned. As you watch the v forming the t-shirts that the participates will be wearing depict the colours of the regions national flag.
Although both these events will be amazing to enjoy, one of the most important events of all that takes place on this day takes place at 9.00 am. This is when the laying of wreathes by numerous dignitaries present and past including the city’s Mayor at Rafael Casanova Monument that was built by Rossend Nobas in 1886.
Along with many events throughout the day to help celebrate Catalonia National Day, there are numerous festivals taking place around the city. One particular one you may want to visit is that known as “Festa per la Llibertat”. This is to be found happening by the Arc de Triomf monument, which is located at Passeig Lluís Companys.
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