The phrase "11 sep catalunya" functions as a proper noun. It is the specific name for the National Day of Catalonia, officially known as La Diada Nacional de Catalunya. This date commemorates the fall of Barcelona on September 11, 1714, at the end of the War of the Spanish Succession. This event marked the abolition of Catalan institutions and laws by the victorious Bourbon monarchy under Philip V, making the day a commemoration of the loss of historical rights and freedoms.
Historically, the commemoration of September 11th was established as the National Day by the Catalan Parliament in 1980, following the restoration of democracy in Spain. While rooted in a military defeat, the event has been re-signified over time. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a symbol for Catalan nationalism. In recent decades, particularly since 2012, La Diada has transformed into the primary stage for large-scale, pro-independence demonstrations, where hundreds of thousands of people rally to demand political self-determination.
Therefore, the term refers not just to a date on the calendar but to a complex political and cultural event. It encapsulates a dual meaning: a solemn remembrance of a historical loss and a vibrant, contemporary assertion of Catalan national identity and political aspirations. Its grammatical function as a proper noun is crucial, as it names this specific, multifaceted public holiday, distinguishing it from any other day or event.
