Story perspectives

Disillusionment Marks Catalonia's La Diada as Protests Decline

9/12/2025

Summary

Story summary

On September 11, 2025, Catalonia's National Day, La Diada, attracted around 28,000 demonstrators in Barcelona, a notable decrease from previous years, reflecting political disillusionment.
Pro-independence groups, including the ANC, claimed over 100,000 attendees despite poor weather.
A High Court ruling against Catalan language protection in schools prompted calls for civil disobedience from leaders like Lluís Llach.
The far-right Catalan Alliance's presence at the event created tensions with pro-independence supporters.
Young attendees voiced concerns about the decline of the Catalan language, indicating a generational divide in independence support.

History

Historical Context

The 2017 Catalan independence referendum, held on October 1, saw 90% of voters support independence despite violent opposition from Spanish police, resulting in over 900 injuries. This event marked a significant escalation in Catalonia's long-standing quest for autonomy, rooted in historical grievances dating back to the 1714 fall of Barcelona, which ended Catalonia's status as a separate state. By 2025, participation in pro-independence demonstrations had dwindled to 28,000, reflecting growing disillusionment.

1 of 2

Story summary

On September 11, 2025, Catalonia's National Day, La Diada, attracted around 28,000 demonstrators in Barcelona, a notable decrease from previous years, reflecting political disillusionment.
Pro-independence groups, including the ANC, claimed over 100,000 attendees despite poor weather.
A High Court ruling against Catalan language protection in schools prompted calls for civil disobedience from leaders like Lluís Llach.
The far-right Catalan Alliance's presence at the event created tensions with pro-independence supporters.
Young attendees voiced concerns about the decline of the Catalan language, indicating a generational divide in independence support.

1 / 2