September 11 is not a national public holiday in Spain. It is, however, a significant regional holiday observed exclusively in the autonomous community of Catalonia, where it is the official National Day of Catalonia.
Known as the Diada Nacional de Catalunya, the date commemorates the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession on September 11, 1714. This event led to the abolition of Catalan institutions and liberties by the victorious Bourbon king, Philip V. The day has since become a symbol of Catalan identity and is marked by political demonstrations, cultural events, and ceremonies of remembrance, often with a focus on contemporary Catalan nationalism and the independence movement.
As a result, on this date, government offices, banks, schools, and many businesses are closed throughout Catalonia, including its major cities like Barcelona, Girona, Tarragona, and Lleida. In all other regions of Spain, September 11 is a normal business day with no associated closures or official observances.
