Ex-independentist shares his experience of Catalonia's Diada in Spain
A first-hand account describes political violence and indoctrination in a Catalan village during the author's childhood, sparking a heated debate about the reality of the independence movement.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
The Diada from the inside: the testimony of a 'fugitive' from Catalan independence
A first-hand account describes a climate of social pressure, political violence and indoctrination in a village in inland Catalonia during the narrator's childhood and youth. The testimony, published on a discussion forum, has triggered a cascade of reactions ranging from identification to scepticism.
Political violence and sectarianism in rural areas
The story begins with a shocking scene: during elections in a village in inland Catalonia, teenagers aged 14 to 16 assaulted children from PP (Popular Party) families and asked them whether any relative of theirs belonged to the party. The slogan was "Pilingues Pudents" (stinking whores). At home, TV3 was on every day, creating a post-war atmosphere of constant oppression over language and culture. Local festivals and public events carried a heavy ideological charge.
The debate: reality or fiction?
The testimony has not been without controversy. Some analysts consider it credible and point out that the description of the atmosphere matches their own experiences or those of people they know. Catalan nationalism is compared to a sect that is hard to leave, and it is noted that accepting that years of one's life were wasted on a lie may be "unbearable" for many.
On the other hand, a group of sceptics questions the narrator's veracity, pointing out that the same user posted other threads about extraterrestrial abductions and a supposed "schizophrenia disability payment", casting doubt on his reliability. Nevertheless, even these critics acknowledge that the post, however much it may come from a troll, has value as a starting point for debating the reality of independence in inland Catalonia.
The Diada as a celebration of a defeat
During the discussion, a recurring theme emerges: the celebration of the Diada on 11 September, the date of the fall of Barcelona in 1714. Several participants express their puzzlement that a "defeat" should become a national holiday instead of Sant Jordi's day. Psychological or historical explanations are put forward, but there is no consensus.
Where is independence heading?
Some of the sharpest analysts point out that deep Catalonia is changing: sardanas are heard less and less and reggaeton more and more, and calçots are being replaced by kebab skewers. The Diada risks turning into a free-for-all where everyone celebrates their own thing. Others, however, believe nationalism remains deeply rooted, even if it is evolving towards more strident forms with figures such as the leader of the CUP.
The question left hanging is whether this kind of testimony represents a minority or is the tip of the iceberg of a silenced reality. What is clear is that the social divide in some parts of Catalonia remains unhealed.
Related debates on the forum
A first-hand account describes a climate of social pressure, political violence and indoctrination in a village in inland Catalonia during the narrator's childhood and youth. The testimony, published on a discussion forum, has triggered a cascade of reactions ranging from identification to scepticism.
Political violence and sectarianism in rural areas
The story begins with a shocking scene: during elections in a village in inland Catalonia, teenagers aged 14 to 16 assaulted children from PP (Popular Party) families and asked them whether any relative of theirs belonged to the party. The slogan was "Pilingues Pudents" (stinking whores). At home, TV3 was on every day, creating a post-war atmosphere of constant oppression over language and culture. Local festivals and public events carried a heavy ideological charge.
The debate: reality or fiction?
The testimony has not been without controversy. Some analysts consider it credible and point out that the description of the atmosphere matches their own experiences or those of people they know. Catalan nationalism is compared to a sect that is hard to leave, and it is noted that accepting that years of one's life were wasted on a lie may be "unbearable" for many.
On the other hand, a group of sceptics questions the narrator's veracity, pointing out that the same user posted other threads about extraterrestrial abductions and a supposed "schizophrenia disability payment", casting doubt on his reliability. Nevertheless, even these critics acknowledge that the post, however much it may come from a troll, has value as a starting point for debating the reality of independence in inland Catalonia.
The Diada as a celebration of a defeat
During the discussion, a recurring theme emerges: the celebration of the Diada on 11 September, the date of the fall of Barcelona in 1714. Several participants express their puzzlement that a "defeat" should become a national holiday instead of Sant Jordi's day. Psychological or historical explanations are put forward, but there is no consensus.
Where is independence heading?
Some of the sharpest analysts point out that deep Catalonia is changing: sardanas are heard less and less and reggaeton more and more, and calçots are being replaced by kebab skewers. The Diada risks turning into a free-for-all where everyone celebrates their own thing. Others, however, believe nationalism remains deeply rooted, even if it is evolving towards more strident forms with figures such as the leader of the CUP.
The question left hanging is whether this kind of testimony represents a minority or is the tip of the iceberg of a silenced reality. What is clear is that the social divide in some parts of Catalonia remains unhealed.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (95 replies).
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