Last Good Friday, April 4, 2026, the city of Mataró experienced a moment of tension during its General Procession. The Spanish national anthem was performed on three occasions by the Banda de Nou Barris i Roquetes de Barcelona, accompanying the departure of the images of the Mare de Déu de l'Esperança, the Sant Sepulcre, and the Soledat from Plaça de Santa Maria.
This incident has triggered a wave of criticism and outrage on social media, especially after the president of the Holy Week Commission declared to Televisió de Mataró that the musical performance “has no political connotation.” This statement has been widely questioned by users, who consider the anthem a state and political symbol.
It is a state and political symbol that is not part of the religious meaning of the act.
Various comments on social media have expressed their discomfort, pointing out the contradiction between the universality of Catholicism and the imposition of national symbols. Some users have recalled past practices, while others have directly addressed the municipal government of Mataró, expecting explanations in the next plenary session.
Catholicism is universal. Spanish nationalism is an imposition.
The controversy intensifies in a context where some users have linked the incident to the presence of the PSOE in the municipal government, suggesting a possible influence of national directives on local decisions.
