So, you're wondering what's happening in Catalonia?
Well, the Catalan government is still promising an independence referendum on 9 November. And the Spanish government is still saying this isn't going to happen. Meanwhile all eyes are on Scotland (more on that another day) and on this Thursday, 11 September. This day is Catalonia's National Day - when they remember losing their independence through the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714. Different activities are always organized and over the last few years a key component has been the huge gathering in Barcelona in favour of independence. This year, they hope for a million people to come together - and to complicate matters, position themselves in yellow or red shirts so as to make a 12km V-shape in the colours of the Catalan flag!! Watch this space to see if they can pull it off - or we, as we'll also be there !
They/we will be occupying the two principal roads crossing Barcelona which form a V-shape; that's V for voting, voluntat (will power), and victory as in Winston Churchill's famous gesture. In England we also give another meaning with a different V-shaped gesture which may actually be a clearer message to send to the Spanish government...
Amazing to hear the news… over a million people in the huge V! Wow. And yes, it will be interesting to see the results of the Scottish referendum.
ResponEliminaHi, yes it was amazing!! I should have done a post-V blogpost but internet has been down till today. Maybe tomorrow... watch this space.
EliminaI hope the Scots vote "No" and that you Catalonians vote "Yes". Historically your case is much stronger and Catalonia would be more viable as a country but WHAT would your independence do to the rest of Spain? Surely that question needs answering as they would become your immediate neighbours and the ties will be very difficult to disentangle.
ResponEliminaI aim to do a decent post on what happened last Thursday, but internet has been down until today - thus ruining my plan for a pre-referendum post on Scotland (though, I do have an hour left....).
EliminaWould probably be disastrous for Spanish economy but Catalonia has offered to pay its share, or more, of the national debt on leaving. I would hope that the ties between Scotland/England, or Cat/Spain would more or less continue as now i.e. no problem moving or working between the two countries. Separate but united in a sense as frontier problems and beaurocracy comes down in the future ?