Catalonia is a triangle shaped
region situated in the north-east extreme of the Iberian Peninsula. As you may
know, its capital, Barcelona, together with the whole territory are integrated
into the State of Spain. During the last two years, maybe due to the financial
crisis or because the deeper patriotic feeling of its citizens, Catalan people
have shown a sense of disconformity with the central decisions of the State in
which they are living in. The political relations between the Spanish
Government and those who are in charge of this smaller community have entered a
period of scarce dialogues and some kind of tense environment.
Then, to act in
consequence of the people's voice, the President of Catalonia together with
some politic parties who think accordingly, have announced the celebration of a
democratic referendum to be held in 9th of November of this year, 2014. This
referendum will ask the citizens of Catalonia weather if they want their nation
to be part of the Spanish State or if they want it to be declared
independent.
This issue has
aroused thousands of discussions and arguments. Both parts have tried to
involve other topics that are not related and contribute to make the people
misunderstand the situation; but the fact is that now, the ones in power are
seated on the chairs of the central Government in Madrid, and they have a
growing number of Catalans that want them react to their petitions.
From my position,
I can say that I was born in Catalonia and I feel myself kind of entrenched
with this nation. My mother tongue is Catalan and my culture, traditions and
opinions are in line with this little country. Hence, my few notions of
economics tell me that Spain will lose a huge power if Catalonia is separated
from them; so they should make a decision before is too late.
One thing is sure,
this movement that strives for the independence of Catalonia will not stop, and
despite they do not have the support of the higher politic leaders of Spain,
the international forces will hear the multitude and this will trigger a
solution wanted for ones or unwanted for others.
After this little
reflection, I want to show you some pictures from this last weekend. They were
taken in a little village of Castilla la Mancha, another region located in the
center of Spain. With this, I wanted to show that Catalans as me, appreciate
and admire the land next to Catalonia. This huge territory with a rich
historical past and a splendid culture. Our intention is not to separate from
Spain because we do not want them. Instead, we only pretend to show the world
who we are, a population that has its own identity and a relentless economic
boost achieved with effort, illusion and respect.
