Opposite the church of Santa Maria del Mar there is a small square where a very unusual monument dedicated to the fallen Catalans stands. It resembles a curved red mast with a burning torch at the top, along the entire length of which the names of the fallen are carved.
There used to be a cemetery here adjoining the church. And in it, in a mass grave, the valiant warriors who defended Barcelona during the siege of the city by the troops of Philip V were buried. It lasted almost a whole year and ended on September 11, 1714. This day is considered the National Day of Catalonia. It is celebrated every year with lavish festivities and folk celebrations. If you happen to be in Barcelona in early September, be sure to come to this square to see Catalan national dances and also listen to street musicians. Quite often at this time various competitions are held here, for example, in making paella, and wine tastings also take place.
On this day the square around the monument is completely transformed. Catalan national flags appear everywhere - yellow-and-red banners with a star. You may ask why the flag of Catalonia differs from the flag of Spain? Because true Catalans try in every possible way to emphasize their belonging to a different community, and God forbid you call them simply Spaniards - they will be offended to the depths of their souls! In fact, the holiday itself - September 11 - is a symbol of Barcelona's eternal struggle for its independence.
