In Barcelona and other cities of Catalonia, a large-scale celebration of the Day of Catalonia will take place on September 11. Organizers have prepared a packed program that includes free concerts, commemorative ceremonies, and public activities. On this day, residents of the region can visit museums free of charge and take part in traditional marches and cultural events.
Festivities will begin as early as September 10. In the Parliament of Catalonia building, a flag-raising ceremony will be held with the participation of Parliament Speaker Josep Rull, head of government Salvador Illa, and the Mayor of Barcelona Jaume Collboni. In the evening, the president of the region will address residents on regional television channels.
The main events are scheduled for September 11. In the evening, the central celebration will be held at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya, featuring music and literary performances dedicated to important historical figures and events. The program will include renowned artists such as Els Amics de les Arts, Antonio Orozco, and Castellers de Vilafranca. Organizers have focused on reflecting the diversity of topics and cultural traditions of the region.
On the morning of September 11, a flower-laying ceremony will take place at the Rafael Casanova monument—this moment is considered one of the most significant for the people of Catalonia. On the same day, the leading museums of Barcelona will open their doors free of charge to all visitors. These include the National Art Museum of Catalonia, the History Museum of Catalonia, the Archaeological Museum, and the El Born Centre de Cultura i Memòria. Some institutions will offer special tours and extended opening hours. In addition, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the parliament building, government palace, Palau Robert, Palau Güell, and other historic sites.
A key part of the celebration will be a mass demonstration organized by several civic movements. In Barcelona, the march will begin at Pla de Palau and conclude at the building on La Rambla, 1. On this day, traffic in the city center will be restricted. At 6:00 p.m., a political rally and a free performance by Els Catarres will take place at the site where the march ends.
In the evening, thousands of residents will gather on Lluís Companys Avenue by the Arc de Triomf for the traditional Òmnium Cultural music festival. The stage will feature Svetlana presenting her new album, the band Auxili, and DJ K-ZU. Organizers emphasize that music and art remain an integral part of the celebration, bringing together people of different backgrounds and generations.
Throughout the day in Barcelona, additional events will also take place: Sardana dances, torchlight processions, and exhibitions, including a display of Diada posters at Palau Robert. The full program is available on the official websites of city and regional authorities, as well as public organizations.
