Sant Cugat Saga: Diada Nacional de Catalunya

Loss of independence was the first holiday marked since our arrival.

This holiday commemorates the events of 11 September 1714, when the Catalans’ defeat by the armies of Philip V of Spain led to the loss of their independence. On 11 September each year, Catalans honour those who lost their lives by displaying the Catalan flag and holding parades.

I had put the date on the calendar and was lucky enough to remember to look for events, finding one close to home on Saturday night.

We found the Marxa de Torxes de Sant Cugat (torch march of Sant Cugat) and walked along with them and listened to speeches. I understood a few words, literally.

We headed to Barcelona on Sunday, where men in uniform rode horses through the Arc de Triomf (representing the conquerors?),

a better view of the arch, but no horses

people sold all sorts of gear with the flag they would like to have represent the new nation,

a special sticker to add to your license plate

some bubbly drink

and people wore a variety of clothing with the flag. Or just wore the flag.

We did not stick around for the big march at 17:14, although I heard it read it about it here.

Many museums were free for the day and we planned to visit the Parliament of Catalonia,

but decided not to use our time standing in line.

The highlight of the day was seeing a castell, or tower of humans, usually built on holidays. We watched three sets, each different in style. One group has their page here, a twitter feed is here, and a video is here.