Spain: National Day celebrations in Catalonia September 11

Event

The National Day of Catalonia, commemorating the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession, will be celebrated throughout the Catalonia region on Friday, September 11, with rallies also possible on Thursday, September 10. They are set to take place despite coronavirus disease (COVID-19) measures in place. Although official locations and times are yet to be confirmed, many of the rallies will likely take place in Barcelona and key locations such as the Tax Agency buildings, the Bank of Spain, the Social Security agency, and Barcelona-Sants train station are potential flashpoints. Other possible flashpoint locations include Promenade Passeig de Lluis Companys, Passeig del Born, Placa de Sant Jaume, Placa de la Universitat, Placa de Catalunya, the Spanish Delegation building, and Passeig de Gracia. Rallies in previous years have also been held at Barcelona's Plaça d'Espanya. 

Associated demonstrations are also expected to take place in urban areas throughout the region. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all commemorative events.

Advice

Those in Barcelona, and the Catalonia region more generally, are advised to avoid all public gatherings as a precaution, anticipate heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.