Photo by Vilanova i la Geltrú on VisualHunt.com / CC BY

On September 11th 1714 the city of Barcelona fell after a long siege by the Duke of Berwick in the War of the Spanish Succession. The French Bourbons were fighting against the Austrian Habsburgs to obtain control of the Spanish Crown. This date also marked the abolition of the Catalan civil institutions and rights, meaning Catalan people and their culture were supressed until the 19th Century. On this date today the Diada Nacional de Catalunya (the National Day of Catalonia) is celebrated. It was chosen as a symbolic date, to remember the suffering, the resilience and the overcoming of the Catalans.

During the whole day protest activities, as well as entertaining ones such as concerts, prize-giving ceremonies and speeches take place both in Barcelona and in other towns throughout the region. Traditionally, in the morning of September 11th the political parties and entities bring floral tributes to the monument of Rafael de Casanova, who had an outstanding participation in the War of the Spanish Succession. Many museums of Barcelona also take part in this event with an open day.

Where to Stay

If you are lucky enough to be in Barcelona during this celebration, we recommend you stay somewhere central so you can be close to all the action. At ChicRoom Barcelona we have that covered! We have a wide selection of luxury, central apartments that we're sure you'll love.

Visit our website to find your perfect holiday apartment in Barcelona today.

Valencia Chic on ChicRoom Barcelona