An ever-growing number of estelades (starred Catalan independence flags) are flying on balconies in Barcelona and all over Catalonia. It has been roughly 12 months since the million-man march in Barcelona on September 11 (the country's national day) last year. However, the will of Catalans for self-determination and independence remains unaltered. Not only that, but it actually seems to be growing stronger day by day. The 2012 demonstration meant such a huge push for the national agenda that it turned the path of Catalan politics 180º. This had traditionally been based on finding a comfortable fit for Catalonia within Spain; now the land is heading for a referendum in 2014.
Things seem to be on the right track for pro-independence Catalans, but still there is the feeling that a final push is needed. And so it seems we are up for a comeback. Don't expect a new mass street rally in Barcelona, though. Catalans do indeed have renewed energy, but what is in store this year is somewhat different: a vast 250 mile-long continuous human chain is expected to literally traverse the land from North to South, from the Pyrenees Mountains down to the Mediterranean Sea through more than 80 towns. Roads are expected to be cut some 3 hours before the Human Chain is actually formed at 17:14 (in memory of the 1714 defeat in which Catalan freedom was lost).
These are some of the numbers behind the 400 km human chain: 3 helicopters, 24 ultralight aircraft, 200 world media journalists, 800 photographers, 1.500 coaches (for mobility purposes along the chain), 2.500 police units, 30.000 volunteers (a higher number overall than in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics), more than 400.000 website-registered participants, 500.000 especially designed t-shirts for the occasion sold, and a final number of actual participants that could well add one more digit to the figure – meaning the feat may match or surpass last year's landmark rally. This, out of a population of some 7 million. The stakes are indeed high.
Both local and international press highlight the huge organization skills and efforts in place. Not even rain seems to be a hindrance to the determined Catalans. After some pessimistic early predictions last week the situation is expected to improve. Two days before the event, weather forecasts are more generous than ever: some occasional rainfall in an otherwise rather optimistic outlook for the country's national day.
As mentioned, last year's demonstration set the bar high, and one can feel the expectation and excitement in the air. Many hope that, with secession, things will get better for this traditionally prosperous, historic European nation. For many, if not most, independence increasingly implies the only possible outcome for the country for the everlasting political struggle with Spain. It is also seen as the mid-term goal for an increasing number of citizens. Yet, with a declaration of independence still arguably on the horizon, the immediate goal is clearer: a scheduled date and a fixed question for the referendum. It is simply a matter of democracy and justice, Catalans argue.
Much has changed in Catalonia in recent times. According to all opinion polls, secession is now the preferred option. The estelada is sold out virtually everywhere and has become a widespread symbol. But most relevant is perhaps something less obvious to the eye: the bid to freely and peacefully decide our future is finally being taken seriously, both internally and internationally. And this alone is certainly a game changer.
David Ferrer
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