Catalan Identity

This is my full Catalan name, Eulàlia. My name, my identity... I was given this pendant a long time ago, when I was still a young teenager.

Today is a very important day in Catalonia, the Autonomous Community in Spain where I am originally from. It's the National Day of Catalonia, known as "La Diada". It marks the anniversary of the Bourbon Forces' recapture of Barcelona on 11th September 1714, an important historical date which marked the end of the siege in Barcelona in the War of Spanish Succession. Catalan troops were forced to surrender to the troops of Philip V of Spain and all institutions of Catalonia were destroyed. Catalans have been fighting this repression ever since.

It's a day of festivities, where everybody hangs the Catalonian flag ("Senyera") on their balconies. There are "Castellers" (human towers), "Sardanes" (the traditional Catalan dance) and all sorts of activities for both adults and children. There are also vast demonstrations for independence, since it's not just a day of festivities, but also a day where Catalonia reclaims its identity, language and cultural heritage.

Catalan identity is in my blood. Difficult to explain how, but I have to admit that when I'm called Spanish, I feel a shiver down my spine. Catalan is my mother language and the one I feel more comfortable with. It's funny how I count, think and dream in Catalan and English, but never in Spanish! In a way, it feels like a foreign language to me. However, I do not have any bad feelings for the rest of Spanish people, they're perfectly nice people, don't get me wrong! I just don't identify with them, that's all. I can't help it. It's a feeling!

A sunny but cold and windy day in Scotland and a day at work with not much excitement.

I'll be making sugar paste roses this evening.

Thanks very much for all your nice comments! I hit spotlight!! I hope you all had a great day! :)