This is a day-long festival in Catalonia (also called Diada) that commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714 and the subsequent loss of Catalan institutions and laws. The Army of Catalonia was defeated at the Siege of Barcelona by the army of the Bourbon king Philip V of Spain after 14 months of siege. This meant the loss of the Catalan constitutions.
The holiday was first celebrated in 1886, and two years later, coinciding with the inauguration of the Barcelona Universal Exposition, a statue in honour of Rafael Casanova was set up, which would become the point of reference in future years. It gained popularity, but was then banned between 1931 and 1939. It was celebrated more quietly until 1976 before more demonstrations on independence took place. Floral offerings are laid at the statue, and patriotic demonstrations and cultural events take place in many Catalan villages, and many citizens wave senyeres and estelades.
Holidays & Special Events 