Why is Catalan identity so important in Barcelona?

When visiting Barcelona, it quickly becomes visible that this city is "different" from the rest of Spain. Not only in architecture, language or gastronomy, but also in the way people think. Catalan identity here is not folklore or nostalgia, but an everyday reality that deeply determines the self-image, political sensibilities and cultural life of the city's inhabitants.

But why is this so important? And where does this strong bond come from? Why is it that if you tell a local in Barcelona that they are Spanish, they get angry? This can be strange as a foreigner, so I will try to explain.

Catalonia's historical independence is not a new desire

The roots of Catalan identity date back to the Middle Ages. Catalonia was already a territory with significant autonomy in the 10th and 12th centuries, with its own laws, institutions and trade network. Barcelona became one of the most important commercial centers in the Mediterranean, while remaining culturally and economically separate from Castile.

The Catalan language was not only a spoken language at that time, but also a tool of administration and literature, meaning that identity was institutionalized early on.

1714: the foundation of collective trauma

One of the most defining dates in Catalan historical memory is September 11, 1714. It was then that Barcelona fell during the War of the Spanish Succession and the autonomous institutions of Catalonia were abolished after the victory of the Bourbon dynasty.

This was not just a military defeat, but the abolition of its own laws, the suppression of the Catalan language, and the decline of Barcelona's political weight. It is no coincidence that September 11th is still La Diada, the national holiday of Catalonia, which is not a victory, but a day of remembrance of lost freedom.

Language as resistance

One of the strongest pillars of Catalan identity is the language itself. It is especially important in Barcelona, as the city has always been a destination for immigrants from within and outside Spain.

During the Franco dictatorship (1939-1975), the use of Catalan language was banned in education, excluded from public life, and for a long time banished to the private sphere. Nevertheless, Catalan survived and was consciously rebuilt after the “change of regime”. Today, in Barcelona, Catalan is the primary language of education, street signs and official communication are in Catalan as well. Many people feel that anyone who speaks Catalan is part of the community.

Barcelona is not only the capital of Catalonia today, but also one of the most important pillar of identity. The city is both global and local, a popular tourist destination, yet strongly protective of its own cultural character. This tension is clearly visible in phenomena such as protests against mass tourism, the "Barcelona is not for sale" movements, or the defense of the Catalan language against global English and Spanish. Identity here does not mean isolation, but self-determination.

Recent history: independence movement and street politics

Catalan identity has become particularly politicized in the past decade. The 2017 independence referendum and the events that followed have put Barcelona at the center of international attention.

Although society is divided, with many wanting complete independence and others wanting autonomy within Spain, there is broad agreement that defending Catalan identity is a fundamental value. Mass demonstrations, yellow ribbons, Catalan flags are all visual expressions of this.

Why is this personal in Barcelona?

In Barcelona, Catalan identity is not an abstract concept, not just a political statement, but a series of everyday decisions. What language do you speak? What holidays do you celebrate? How do residents relate to a city that is both lived-in and constantly showcased? For many Barcelonans, Catalanism is self-defense: preserving culture, language and community in a globalized world.

Catalan identity in Barcelona is not about denying Spain, but about how to be European, Spanish and Catalan at the same time. The city's history, language and recent struggles all contribute to this identity remaining a lively, contested and passionate issue today.

And that's why you can't be "just a tourist" in Barcelona - because the city constantly invites you to dialogue about who we are and who we want to be.