The annual pro-independence demonstration in Catalonia is a significant event that takes place on September 11, coinciding with the Catalan National Day. This year, the demonstration will be held in five different cities simultaneously: Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, Lleida, and Tortosa. Organizers have planned various events across the territory under the slogan ‚Tornem als carrers‘ (Let’s return to the streets), aiming to bring back disaffected demonstrators and unite the independence movement.
Each city will focus on a different claim during the demonstration. Barcelona will highlight housing issues, Tarragona will address infrastructure and the Rodalies commuter train network, Girona will focus on the health system, Lleida will center on farming policies, and Tortosa will rally for better water management and against territorial imbalance. The diversity of claims reflects the multifaceted nature of the independence movement in Catalonia.
Organizers are emphasizing the importance of unity within the pro-independence push, calling for support from all sectors of society, including politicians and political institutions. Lluís Llach, president of the Catalan National Assembly, stressed the need for unity and collaboration, while Xavier Antich of Òmnium Cultural urged demonstrators to transform the event into a large rally of generosity and inclusivity.
In Barcelona, the main demonstration will start at the Estació de França train station and culminate at the Arc de Triomf on Passeig Sant Joan, where a celebratory event organized by Òmnium Cultural will take place. Similar demonstrations will occur in Tarragona, Girona, Lleida, and Tortosa, each with its own route and gathering points.
The timing of the demonstrations at 17:14 (5:14 pm) is symbolic, marking the year of Catalonia’s loss against Borbonic forces in the Spanish War of Succession. However, this year’s demonstration is taking place amidst an uncertain political context, with ongoing negotiations for a new government following the May 12 Catalan election won by Socialist candidate Salvador Illa. If a new president is not named by August 26, a snap election will be called for October, potentially impacting the outcome of the Catalan National Day event.
One of the key concerns for organizers is the potential reaction of members of the pro-independence party Esquerra Republicana (ERC) if they end up supporting a Socialist candidate for the presidency. In the past, tensions have arisen between demonstrators and ERC members over political decisions and negotiations with the Spanish government. The outcome of the political negotiations will undoubtedly influence the atmosphere of the September 11 demonstration and the future of the independence movement in Catalonia.