Salou celebrated Catalonia's National Day this Friday, September 11th, with an institutional event in Plaça de l'Onze de Setembre. The day brought together municipal representatives, entities, associations, and citizens under the themes of identity, coexistence, plurality, and commitment to the future.
The Mayor of Salou, Pere Granados, accompanied by members of the City Council, presided over the commemoration, which began with the performance of ‘Els Segadors’ by Grallers La Tarota. In his address, Granados advocated for September 11th as a day uniting memory and future, highlighting Catalonia's capacity for progress through work, effort, and collective construction.
Granados recalled the 50th anniversary of the Sant Boi Diada in 1976 and emphasized the role of town halls in democratic construction and social cohesion due to their direct proximity to citizens. He presented Salou as a reflection of plural, diverse, and open Catalonia, underscoring its ability to build a shared identity among people from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages.
“"Salou is Catalonia from its own uniqueness. We are a Mediterranean city, open, welcoming, diverse, and plural. To be from Salou is to love this city, respect it, participate in it, contribute to its progress, and feel it as our home."
The mayor championed the Catalan language as heritage, identity, and culture, but also as a tool for welcoming, integration, and cohesion. The National Day also served to demand strengthening the role of municipalities and ensuring fair and sufficient local funding, particularly necessary in tourist towns like Salou.
Following the speeches, the Catalan flag was raised, and a floral tribute was paid to the monument of Rafael Casanova. More than fifty representatives from the city's social, cultural, educational, sports, and political fabric participated in the homage, including various local entities and political formations.
The celebration continued with popular culture performances, such as the Ball de Bastons de Salou and a sardana dance in Plaça del Carrilet. Granados concluded with a call for dialogue, respect, and the pooling of capabilities, stating: "A strong Catalonia needs strong municipalities. A cohesive Catalonia needs cities that unite. And a Catalonia with a future needs people willing to build it together."
