Catalonia commemorates this Monday, August 17th, the 17-A attacks, which nine years ago caused 16 deaths. The tragedy began at 4:50 PM on La Rambla de Barcelona, where a van fatally struck 13 people and injured over a hundred, one of whom died days later. In their escape, the vehicle's driver murdered another person to steal their car. Hours later, in Cambrils, a terrorist stabbed several pedestrians, resulting in another fatality.
In L'Hospitalet, the day was experienced with deep shock, marked by numerous displays of citizen, political, and associative support. Over 400 people gathered in the Plaça de l'Ajuntament to observe five minutes of silence called by the council in memory of the victims.
“"It is a very sad day, reflecting the sentiment we all feel at this moment. We must show this minority that we are more and stronger, and that from L’Hospitalet we reject barbarism."
The city's sports community also expressed its solidarity with messages of condolence on social media and minutes of silence before matches were played.
On the streets, citizens agreed that despite the pain and fear, life must go on as normal. Regarding the jihadist origin of the attacks, claimed by Islamic State, the residents of L'Hospitalet emphasized the importance of avoiding generalizations and promoting education.
