September 11 is not a national public holiday in Spain. It is, however, a statutory public holiday exclusively within the autonomous community of Catalonia. The day is known as the National Day of Catalonia, or "La Diada Nacional de Catalunya."
This observance commemorates the fall of Barcelona to the Bourbon troops of King Philip V on September 11, 1714, at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession. The event marked the abolition of Catalan institutions and laws by the Nueva Planta decrees, leading to the loss of the region's self-governance. Consequently, the day is not a celebration of independence but a solemn remembrance of the loss of historical rights and freedoms. In modern times, "La Diada" has become a significant occasion for political demonstrations, particularly those organized by Catalan independence movements, alongside cultural events and concerts that affirm Catalan identity.
Therefore, while it is a non-working day in Catalonia, September 11 is a regular working day throughout the rest of Spain. The nature of the observance is primarily political and commemorative, reflecting a sentiment of cultural and national assertion rather than a festive celebration.
