Maybe you tuned in to your favorite news channel and got dumbstruck by mass
protests in a principality in Southern Spain. You may think after Crimea's
annexation and ISIS attacks all over the continent,Europe is facing a
turmoil.But wait,this situation is much more different from what you think.
1.Catalonia has always been a controversial
region in the Iberian history.
It started long ago,even before it was called Catalonia.During the early
stage of its history, it was ruled by Romans(it was called Hispania).Although
Romans had ruled Catalonia till the onset of medieval age,the region suffered from frequent wars with North African and
Mediterranean tribes.After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the area was conquered by the Visigoths and was
ruled as part of the Visigothic Kingdom for almost two and a half centuries and
then came under Muslim rule.Arab rule lasted only for half a century as the
powerful Spanish empire defeated the arabs to gain control over the
region.Although,it has been a part of
Spanish kingdom since then,Catalans have always strived for an independent
territory.
2.FC Barcelona is a symbol of Catalan
Independence and Power.
It was during Franco's rule(1939-1975).He banned the use of Catalan
language in government-run institutions and during public events, and also the
Catalan institutions of self-government. The pro-Republic of Spain President of
Catalonia, Lluís Companys, was taken to Spain from his exile in the
German-occupied France, and was tortured and executed in the Montjuïc Castle of
Barcelona for the crime of 'military rebellion'.Catalans were living under fury
of the military dictator.Franco was a Castillian and supported Real
Madrid.Catalans saw FC Barcelona as their heroes,who can help them bring down the Castillan flag.This is how
El Classico started.Barca has been more
than a club and El Classico is more than a game.It's about pride of Catalonia
and stakes have always been high.It was never Ronaldo vs Messi,it has always
been Castillans vs Catalans.
More than a club.
"It's a day for democracy",Pep Guardiola, former FC Barcelona
player and manager.
3.Catalans share the same cultural heritage as
the other Spaniards.
Catalonia has been an integral part of Spain since the nation’s inception
in 1812.Although it has been struck by various invasions from Arabs and
Mediterranean and other tribes,it does have a Spanish root.They speak similar
language,have similar physical features,eat the same food and share a passion
for the same sport-Football.Catalonia forms an important part of the Spanish
economy-about 40 percent of Catalonia’s exports go to the rest of Spain.Barcelona is the economic
heartbeat of Spain and a major tourist attraction.
With Catalans and Castillans united,we witnessed the most powerful
national team in Football History.
People from every single part of Spain celebrated La Tomatina on 30th
August in Bunol,despite referendum the day after.
-Kumar Shashwat
-Kumar Shashwat
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