10 Sep 2019 | 06:15 AM UTC
Spain: National Day celebrations in Catalonia September 10-11 /update 1
National Day celebrations to be held throughout Catalonia region from September 10-11; heightened security presence and transportation disruptions expected
Event
Celebrations throughout the Catalonia region are expected to begin on Tuesday, September 10, ahead of the National Day of Catalonia or Diada on Wednesday, September 11, which commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession. Diada will officially start at 22:00 (local time) on Tuesday at the Plaça de Sant Jaume in Barcelona, followed by a torch-lit march to Fossar de les Moreres and in the vicinity of the Lledoners prison. The main event will be held at 16:00 (local time) on Wednesday between Paseo de Gràcia and the Plaça d'Espanya in Barcelona. Participants will then move to the nearby avenues of Creu Coberta, Tarragona, Reina Cristina, and Gran Via. Organizers expect up to 1 million participants across Catalonia. Several political groups have also called for a demonstration at 18:30 at Plaça d'Urquinaona.
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
Individuals 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.
