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{{short description|2013 political demonstration in Catalonia}} {{short description|2013 political demonstration in Catalonia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox civil conflict {{Infobox civil conflict
| title = Catalan Way | title = Catalan Way
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The '''Catalan Way''' ({{lang-ca|Via Catalana}}), also known as the '''Catalan Way towards Independence''' ({{lang-ca|Via Catalana cap a la Independència}}), was a {{convert|400|km|adj=on}} ] in support of ] from ]. It was organized by the ] (ANC) and supported by 14 nongovernmental groups.<ref name=wsj>{{cite news|last=Moffett|first=Matt|title=Catalan Separatists to Link for Independence Cause|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324324404579041122800860290?mg=reno64-wsj.html?dsk=y|newspaper=]|date=5 September 2013}}</ref> It took place in ] on 11 September 2013, which is the ], known as ''Diada''.<ref name=wsj/><ref name=reuters>{{cite news|last=Toyer|first=Julien|title=Pragmatism may guide politicians as Catalonian separatism flares again|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/09/us-spain-catalonia-idUSBRE9880H320130909|agency=Reuters}}</ref> Catalonia's Department of the Interior estimated the number of participants at about 1.6 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=More than 1 million Catalans form human chain to promote their bid to break away from Spain|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/catalans-in-favor-of-breaking-away-from-spain-form-huge-human-chain-to-advertise-their-cause/2013/09/11/0ce45f06-1afa-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=11 September 2013|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The human chain followed the ancient ], from ] (], ]) up to ] (], ]). According to ], president of the ANC at that time, it was "a symbol of the unity of Catalan people to achieve national sovereignty".<ref name="arajuny">{{cite news|title=De la Jonquera a Alcanar: 400 km de 'Via Catalana' cap a l'estat independent|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/Cadena_humana-ANC-Catalunya_0_940706169.html|accessdate=1 July 2013|language=Catalan}}</ref> The '''Catalan Way''' ({{langx|ca|Via Catalana}}), also known as the '''Catalan Way towards Independence''' ({{langx|ca|Via Catalana cap a la Independència}}), was a {{convert|400|km|adj=on}} ] in support of ] from ]. It was organized by the ] (ANC) and supported by 14 nongovernmental groups.<ref name=wsj>{{cite news|last=Moffett|first=Matt|title=Catalan Separatists to Link for Independence Cause|url=https://www.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324324404579041122800860290?mg=reno64-wsj.html?dsk=y|newspaper=]|date=5 September 2013}}</ref> It took place in ] on 11 September 2013, which is the ], known as ''Diada''.<ref name=wsj/><ref name=reuters>{{cite news|last=Toyer|first=Julien|title=Pragmatism may guide politicians as Catalonian separatism flares again|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-catalonia-idUSBRE9880H320130909|work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924184509/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/09/us-spain-catalonia-idUSBRE9880H320130909|url-status=live}}</ref> Catalonia's Department of the Interior estimated the number of participants at about 1.6 million.<ref>{{cite news|title=More than 1 million Catalans form human chain to promote their bid to break away from Spain|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/catalans-in-favor-of-breaking-away-from-spain-form-huge-human-chain-to-advertise-their-cause/2013/09/11/0ce45f06-1afa-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130912142306/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/catalans-in-favor-of-breaking-away-from-spain-form-huge-human-chain-to-advertise-their-cause/2013/09/11/0ce45f06-1afa-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=12 September 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=11 September 2013|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> The human chain followed the ancient ], from ] (], ]) to ] (], ]). According to ], president of the ANC at that time, it was "a symbol of the unity of Catalan people to achieve national sovereignty".<ref name="arajuny">{{cite news|title=De la Jonquera a Alcanar: 400&nbsp;km de 'Via Catalana' cap a l'estat independent|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/Cadena_humana-ANC-Catalunya_0_940706169.html|access-date=1 July 2013|language=ca}}</ref>


Plans for the Catalan Way were presented for the first time on 19 June 2013, at the Museu d'Història de Catalunya; the inspiration for these was the 1989 ]. The presentation included Henn Karits and Ülo Laanoja, two members of the organization which staged the ].<ref name=newscat>{{cite news|title=Hand in Hand for Catalan independence over 250 miles and 86 towns|url=http://www.newscatalonia.com/2013/06/hand-in-hand-for-catalan-independence.html|newspaper=News Catalonia|date=20 June 2013}}</ref> Three weeks before the event, more than 350,000 people had registered to participate.<ref name="afp">{{cite news|last=Bosque|first=Daniel|title=Catalans rally for vast human chain independence bid|url=http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/09/08/catalans-rally-for-vast-human-chain-independence-bid/|date=8 September 2013|agency=AFP}}</ref><ref name=washingtonpost>{{cite news|title=Catalonia readies for large pro-independence march in Barcelona, human chain crossing region|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/catalonia-readies-for-large-pro-independence-march-in-barcelona-human-chain-crossing-region/2013/09/10/6cca1150-1a22-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_story.html|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=10 September 2013|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In total, the organizers mobilized about 1,500 buses and 30,000 volunteers to help organize the event.<ref name=wsj /><ref>{{cite news|title=Human chain for Catalan independence organized|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=117138|newspaper=World Bulletin|date=6 September 2013}}</ref> Plans for the Catalan Way were presented for the first time on 19 June 2013, at the Museu d'Història de Catalunya; the inspiration for these was the 1989 ]. The presentation included Henn Karits and Ülo Laanoja, two members of the organization which staged the ].<ref name=newscat>{{cite news|title=Hand in Hand for Catalan independence over 250 miles and 86 towns|url=http://www.newscatalonia.com/2013/06/hand-in-hand-for-catalan-independence.html|newspaper=News Catalonia|date=20 June 2013}}</ref> Three weeks before the event, more than 350,000 people had registered to participate.<ref name="afp">{{cite news|last=Bosque|first=Daniel|title=Catalans rally for vast human chain independence bid|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/catalans-rally-for-vast-human-chain-independence-bid/|date=8 September 2013|agency=AFP}}</ref><ref name=washingtonpost>{{cite news|title=Catalonia readies for large pro-independence march in Barcelona, human chain crossing region|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/catalonia-readies-for-large-pro-independence-march-in-barcelona-human-chain-crossing-region/2013/09/10/6cca1150-1a22-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181128164720/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/catalonia-readies-for-large-pro-independence-march-in-barcelona-human-chain-crossing-region/2013/09/10/6cca1150-1a22-11e3-80ac-96205cacb45a_story.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 November 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=10 September 2013|agency=Associated Press}}</ref> In total, the organizers mobilized about 1,500 buses and 30,000 volunteers to help organize the event.<ref name=wsj /><ref>{{cite news|title=Human chain for Catalan independence organized|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/?aType=haber&ArticleID=117138|newspaper=World Bulletin|date=6 September 2013}}</ref>


] took place the next year. ] took place the next year.
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== Historical precedents == == Historical precedents ==
] (Catalan pro-independence flag) in the ]]] ] (Catalan pro-independence flag) in the ]]]
On 23 August 1989, the ] was organized by the people of ], ] and ].<ref name=wsj /> This human chain linked the capitals of the three countries in favour of their independence from the ].<ref name="wsj" /> The three republics became independent in August 1991, after the ] on 21 August 1991. According to the Baltic Way's manifesto, "A common European home can only set up if all European nations are granted a free right to ]".<ref name="acn">{{cite web|title=Pro-independence supporters prepare a 400 km-long human chain on Catalonia’s National Day|url=http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/pro-independence-supporters-prepare-a-400-km-long-human-chain-on-catalonia-s-national-day|work=Catalan News Agency|date=23 August 2013|language=}}</ref> In 1989, the ] was organized by the peoples of ], ], and ], spanning across the three ] which at the time were ].<ref name=wsj /> This human chain linked the capitals of the three countries demanding the end to the ] occupation. During the ],<ref name="wsj" /> the three Baltic countries were able to restore full independence in August 1991. According to the Baltic Way's manifesto, "A common European home can only set up if all European nations are granted a free right to ]".<ref name="acn">{{cite web|title=Pro-independence supporters prepare a 400&nbsp;km-long human chain on Catalonia's National Day|url=http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/pro-independence-supporters-prepare-a-400-km-long-human-chain-on-catalonia-s-national-day|work=Catalan News Agency|date=23 August 2013}}</ref>


The ] was a demonstration held in central ] on 10 July 2010 against the limits set to the autonomy of Catalonia within Spain, and particularly against a then recent decision of the ] to annul or reinterpret several articles of the 2006 ], approved in referendum by 73.9% of the voters.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10588494.stm |title=Catalan protesters rally for greater autonomy in Spain |agency=BBC News |date=10 July 2010 |accessdate=17 September 2012}}</ref> The number of people taking part in the demonstration was estimated at between 1.1&nbsp;million (according to the local police) and 1.5&nbsp;million (according to the organisers)<ref name="EPDC">{{Cite news | title = La manifestació ha desbordat totes les previsions | url = http://www.elperiodico.cat/ca/noticias/politica/20100710/1100000-persones-assisteixen-marxa-protesta-per-sentencia/379832.shtml | newspaper = El Periódico de Catalunya | date = 10 July 2010 | postscript = <!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}} | access-date = 25 August 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120304064528/http://www.elperiodico.cat/ca/noticias/politica/20100710/1100000-persones-assisteixen-marxa-protesta-per-sentencia/379832.shtml# | archive-date = 4 March 2012 | dead-url = yes | df = dmy-all }}. {{ca icon}}</ref><ref name="LV">{{Cite news | title =Un millón de personas inundan Barcelona en una histórica manifestación de rechazo a la sentencia contra el Estatut | url = http://www.lavanguardia.es/politica/noticias/20100710/53961206706/un-millon-de-personas-inundan-barcelona-en-una-historica-manifestacion--de-rechazo-a-la-sentencia-co.html | newspaper = La Vanguardia | date = 10 July 2010 | postscript =<!-- Bot inserted parameter. Either remove it; or change its value to "." for the cite to end in a ".", as necessary. -->{{inconsistent citations}}}}</ref> ]-based newspaper '']'' estimated the number of demonstrators at 425,000.<ref> {{es icon}}</ref> The ] was a demonstration held in central ] on 10 July 2010 against the limits set to the autonomy of Catalonia within Spain, and particularly against a then recent decision of the ] to annul or reinterpret several articles of the 2006 ], approved in referendum by 73.9% of the voters.<ref name="bbc1">{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/10588494.stm |title=Catalan protesters rally for greater autonomy in Spain |agency=BBC News |date=10 July 2010 |access-date=17 September 2012}}</ref> The number of people taking part in the demonstration was estimated at between 1.1&nbsp;million (according to the local police) and 1.5&nbsp;million (according to the organisers)<ref name="EPDC">{{Cite news | title = La manifestació ha desbordat totes les previsions | url = http://www.elperiodico.cat/ca/noticias/politica/20100710/1100000-persones-assisteixen-marxa-protesta-per-sentencia/379832.shtml | newspaper = El Periódico de Catalunya | date = 10 July 2010 | access-date = 25 August 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120304064528/http://www.elperiodico.cat/ca/noticias/politica/20100710/1100000-persones-assisteixen-marxa-protesta-per-sentencia/379832.shtml | archive-date = 4 March 2012 | url-status = dead}}. {{in lang|ca}}</ref><ref name="LV">{{Cite news | title = Un millón de personas inundan Barcelona en una histórica manifestación de rechazo a la sentencia contra el Estatut | url = http://www.lavanguardia.es/politica/noticias/20100710/53961206706/un-millon-de-personas-inundan-barcelona-en-una-historica-manifestacion--de-rechazo-a-la-sentencia-co.html | newspaper = La Vanguardia | date = 10 July 2010 | access-date = 25 August 2013 | archive-date = 13 July 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100713170506/http://www.lavanguardia.es/politica/noticias/20100710/53961206706/un-millon-de-personas-inundan-barcelona-en-una-historica-manifestacion--de-rechazo-a-la-sentencia-co.html | url-status = dead }}</ref> ]-based newspaper '']'' estimated the number of demonstrators at 425,000.<ref> {{in lang|es}}</ref>


Catalonia saw ] take place in hundreds of villages between 13 September 2009 and April 2011, with an overwhelming number of "yes" votes being cast. Catalonia saw ] take place in hundreds of villages between 13 September 2009 and April 2011, with an overwhelming number of "yes" votes being cast.
The ], organized by the ], argued that Catalonia should become an independent state within the European Union, under the slogan "Catalonia, new state in Europe".<ref name="afp" /> The number of participants was estimated at about 1.5 million according to ] and Catalonia's Department of the Interior,<ref name="welt">{{cite news|title=400 Kilometer Menschenkette für die Unabhängigkeit|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article119895691/400-Kilometer-Menschenkette-fuer-die-Unabhaengigkeit.html|newspaper=Die Welt|date=11 September 2013|language=German}}</ref> about 2 million according to the organizers, and about 600,000 according to the delegation of the ] in Catalonia.<ref name="elpais">{{cite news |title=El independentismo catalán logra una histórica exhibición de fuerza |first=Àngels |last=Piñol |url=http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2012/09/11/catalunya/1347375808_419590.html |agency=El País |location=Barcelona |date=11 September 2012 |language=Spanish |accessdate=12 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Diada.- El Govern central xifra l'assistència en 600.000 persones |url=http://www.europapress.cat/politica/noticia-diada-govern-central-xifra-lassistencia-600000-persones-20120911210226.html |agency=Europa Press |location=Barcelona |date=11 September 2012 |language=Catalan |accessdate=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102142454/http://www.europapress.cat/politica/noticia-diada-govern-central-xifra-lassistencia-600000-persones-20120911210226.html# |archive-date=2 November 2012 |dead-url=yes |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=La delegació del govern espanyol a Catalunya xifra en 600.000 els assistents a la manifestació de la Diada |url=http://www.acn.cat/acn/683844/Noticia/text/Noticia.html |agency=Agència Catalana de Notícies |location=Madrid |date=11 September 2012 |language=Catalan |accessdate=13 September 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913123630/http://www.acn.cat/acn/683844/Noticia/text/Noticia.html |archivedate=13 September 2014 |df=dmy }}</ref> {{Clear}} The ], organized by the ], argued that Catalonia should become an independent state within the European Union, under the slogan "Catalonia, new state in Europe".<ref name="afp" /> The number of participants was estimated at about 1.5 million according to ] and Catalonia's Department of the Interior,<ref name="welt">{{cite news|title=400 Kilometer Menschenkette für die Unabhängigkeit|url=https://www.welt.de/politik/ausland/article119895691/400-Kilometer-Menschenkette-fuer-die-Unabhaengigkeit.html|newspaper=Die Welt|date=11 September 2013|language=de}}</ref> about 2 million according to the organizers, and about 600,000 according to the delegation of the ] in Catalonia.<ref name="elpais">{{cite news |title=El independentismo catalán logra una histórica exhibición de fuerza |first=Àngels |last=Piñol |url=http://ccaa.elpais.com/ccaa/2012/09/11/catalunya/1347375808_419590.html |agency=El País |location=Barcelona |date=11 September 2012 |language=es |access-date=12 September 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Diada.- El Govern central xifra l'assistència en 600.000 persones |url=http://www.europapress.cat/politica/noticia-diada-govern-central-xifra-lassistencia-600000-persones-20120911210226.html |agency=Europa Press |location=Barcelona |date=11 September 2012 |language=ca |access-date=13 September 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121102142454/http://www.europapress.cat/politica/noticia-diada-govern-central-xifra-lassistencia-600000-persones-20120911210226.html |archive-date=2 November 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=La delegació del govern espanyol a Catalunya xifra en 600.000 els assistents a la manifestació de la Diada |url=http://www.acn.cat/acn/683844/Noticia/text/Noticia.html |agency=Agència Catalana de Notícies |location=Madrid |date=11 September 2012 |language=ca |access-date=13 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913123630/http://www.acn.cat/acn/683844/Noticia/text/Noticia.html |archive-date=13 September 2014}}</ref> {{Clear}}


== Pre-Catalan Way activities == == Pre-Catalan Way activities ==
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The Catalan Way was presented for the first time on 19 June 2013, at the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. The presentation included Henn Karits and Ülo Laanoja, two members of the organization which staged the Baltic Way.<ref name=newscat /> The Catalan Way was presented for the first time on 19 June 2013, at the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. The presentation included Henn Karits and Ülo Laanoja, two members of the organization which staged the Baltic Way.<ref name=newscat />


On 4 July, the National Catalan Assembly (ANC) opened the registering period through its website. More than 22,000 people were registered during the first 24 hours and over 78,000 the first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4133120/20130711/78000-inscrits-via-catalana-setmana.html|title=Més de 78.000 inscrits a la Via Catalana en una setmana|publisher=VilaWeb|accessdate=11 July 2013|language=Catalan}}</ref> Registrations grew steadily since then and, three weeks before the event, more than 350,000 people had already signed in.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4133472/20130712/cent-mil-inscrits-via-catalana.html|title=Ja hi ha més de cent mil inscrits a la Via Catalana|publisher=VilaWeb|accessdate=12 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cadenaser.com/catalunya/articulo/250000-inscritos-cadena-humana-independentista-diada/csrcsrpor/20130730csrcsrcat_5/Tes|publisher=Cadena SER. EFE|accessdate=11 July 2013|language=Spanish|title=250.000 inscritos para la cadena humana independentista de la Diada}}</ref><ref name=afp/><ref name=washingtonpost /> The southern areas of Catalonia were considered the hardest ones to fill due to being less populated and farther from Barcelona.<ref>{{cite web|title=L'ANC avisa que tothom que participi en la Via Catalana serà comptat com a independentista|publisher=El Periódico de Catalunya|accessdate=19 August 2013|url=http://www.elperiodico.cat/ca/noticias/politica/anc-avisa-todo-participe-via-catalana-sera-contado-independentista-2587000|language=Catalan}}</ref> On 2 September, nine days before the Diada, no section of the Catalan Way was left with low occupancy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4141524/20130902/queda-cap-tram-via-catalana-baixa-ocupacio.html|title=Ja no queda cap tram de la Via Catalana amb baixa ocupació|publisher=VilaWeb|accessdate=2 September 2013|language=Catalan}}</ref> On 4 July, the National Catalan Assembly (ANC) opened the registering period through its website. More than 22,000 people were registered during the first 24 hours and over 78,000 the first week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4133120/20130711/78000-inscrits-via-catalana-setmana.html|title=Més de 78.000 inscrits a la Via Catalana en una setmana|publisher=VilaWeb|access-date=11 July 2013|language=ca}}</ref> Registrations grew steadily since then and, three weeks before the event, more than 350,000 people had already signed in.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4133472/20130712/cent-mil-inscrits-via-catalana.html|title=Ja hi ha més de cent mil inscrits a la Via Catalana|publisher=VilaWeb|access-date=12 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cadenaser.com/catalunya/articulo/250000-inscritos-cadena-humana-independentista-diada/csrcsrpor/20130730csrcsrcat_5/Tes|publisher=Cadena SER. EFE|access-date=11 July 2013|language=es|title=250.000 inscritos para la cadena humana independentista de la Diada|archive-date=30 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130730201341/http://www.cadenaser.com/catalunya/articulo/250000-inscritos-cadena-humana-independentista-diada/csrcsrpor/20130730csrcsrcat_5/Tes|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=afp/><ref name=washingtonpost /> The southern areas of Catalonia were considered the hardest ones to fill due to being less populated and farther from Barcelona.<ref>{{cite web|title=L'ANC avisa que tothom que participi en la Via Catalana serà comptat com a independentista|date=19 August 2013 |publisher=El Periódico de Catalunya|access-date=19 August 2013|url=http://www.elperiodico.cat/ca/noticias/politica/anc-avisa-todo-participe-via-catalana-sera-contado-independentista-2587000|language=ca}}</ref> On 2 September, nine days before the Diada, no section of the Catalan Way was left with low occupancy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4141524/20130902/queda-cap-tram-via-catalana-baixa-ocupacio.html|title=Ja no queda cap tram de la Via Catalana amb baixa ocupació|publisher=VilaWeb|access-date=2 September 2013|language=ca}}</ref>


During the summer, some practice runs of the Catalan Way took place in several cities around Catalonia.<ref name=wsj /><ref>{{cite web|title=Més de 22.000 inscrits en 24 hores per a la cadena humana de l'11-S|publisher=Ara|accessdate=5 July 2013|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/Mes-inscrits-cadena-humana-l11-S_0_950305252.html|language=Catalan}}</ref> During the summer, some practice runs of the Catalan Way took place in several cities around Catalonia.<ref name=wsj /><ref>{{cite web|title=Més de 22.000 inscrits en 24 hores per a la cadena humana de l'11-S|date=5 July 2013 |publisher=Ara|access-date=5 July 2013|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/Mes-inscrits-cadena-humana-l11-S_0_950305252.html|language=ca}}</ref>


=== Response of the political parties === === Response of the political parties ===
] (CDC), ] (ERC) and ] (CUP) ] (CDC), ] (ERC) and ] (CUP)
expressed their support and participation in the Catalan Way, while ] (PSC), ] (PP) and ] opposed.<ref>{{cite news|title=The majority of Catalan parties propose an independence vote in 2014 the day after the human chain|url=http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/the-majority-of-catalan-parties-propose-an-independence-vote-in-2014-the-day-after-the-human-chain|date=12 September 2013|agency=Catalan News Agency}}</ref> ] (ICV) asked their activists to join the human chain organized by ] to surround ] the same day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fornell|first=Ramon|title=Anti-capitalist independence for Catalonia|url=http://www.demotix.com/news/2648071/anti-capitalist-independence-catalonia#media-2648217|newspaper=Demotix.com|date=11 September 2013|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702051329/http://www.demotix.com/news/2648071/anti-capitalist-independence-catalonia#media-2648217#media-2648217|archive-date=2 July 2015|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> expressed their support and participation in the Catalan Way, while ] (PSC), ] (PP) and ] opposed.<ref>{{cite news|title=The majority of Catalan parties propose an independence vote in 2014 the day after the human chain|url=http://www.catalannewsagency.com/politics/item/the-majority-of-catalan-parties-propose-an-independence-vote-in-2014-the-day-after-the-human-chain|date=12 September 2013|agency=Catalan News Agency}}</ref> ] (ICV) asked their activists to join the human chain organized by ] to surround ] the same day.<ref>{{cite news|last=Fornell|first=Ramon|title=Anti-capitalist independence for Catalonia|url=http://www.demotix.com/news/2648071/anti-capitalist-independence-catalonia#media-2648217|newspaper=Demotix.com|date=11 September 2013|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702051329/http://www.demotix.com/news/2648071/anti-capitalist-independence-catalonia#media-2648217|archive-date=2 July 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable" {| class="wikitable"
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] (])]] ] (])]]


The human chain followed the old ], crossing the following 86 towns and municipalities (sorted from North to South):<ref name=wsj /> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name=vwjuny>{{cite web|title=El recorregut de la cadena humana de l'Onze de Setembre ja és públic|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4126953/20130619/recorregut-cadena-humana-lonze-setembre-public.html|publisher=vilaweb|accessdate=1 July 2013|language=Catalan}}</ref> The human chain followed the old ], crossing the following 86 towns and municipalities (sorted from North to South):<ref name=wsj /> ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name=vwjuny>{{cite web|title=El recorregut de la cadena humana de l'Onze de Setembre ja és públic|url=http://www.vilaweb.cat/noticia/4126953/20130619/recorregut-cadena-humana-lonze-setembre-public.html|publisher=vilaweb|access-date=1 July 2013|language=ca}}</ref>


In ], the path ran along several main streets, such as ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|title=La Via Catalana passarà pels punts més emblemàtics de Barcelona|url=http://www.btv.cat/btvnoticies/2013/06/19/via-catalana-a-barcelona-11-de-setembre-2013/|date=19 June 2013|agency=Barcelona TV}}</ref> In ], the path ran along several main streets, such as ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite news|title=La Via Catalana passarà pels punts més emblemàtics de Barcelona|url=http://www.btv.cat/btvnoticies/2013/06/19/via-catalana-a-barcelona-11-de-setembre-2013/|date=19 June 2013|agency=Barcelona TV}}</ref>


=== Branches out of Catalonia === === Branches out of Catalonia ===
Two extensions of the Catalan Way, one up to ], France, and the other one down to ], ], were made. The ] ANC territorial assembly was responsible to extend the Catalan Way from Pertús to ], and several civic and political Valencian organizations, coordinated by ], prepared an extension from ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Catalan Way Wins in Valencian Court|url=http://www.helpcatalonia.cat/2013/09/catalan-way-wins-in-valencian-court.html|newspaper=Help Catalonia|date=11 September 2013|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200047/http://www.helpcatalonia.cat/2013/09/catalan-way-wins-in-valencian-court.html#|archive-date=2 January 2014|dead-url=yes|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Two extensions of the Catalan Way, one up to ], France, and the other one down to ], ], were made. The ] ANC territorial assembly was responsible to extend the Catalan Way from Pertús to ], and several civic and political Valencian organizations, coordinated by ], prepared an extension from ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Catalan Way Wins in Valencian Court|url=http://www.helpcatalonia.cat/2013/09/catalan-way-wins-in-valencian-court.html|newspaper=Help Catalonia|date=11 September 2013|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102200047/http://www.helpcatalonia.cat/2013/09/catalan-way-wins-in-valencian-court.html|archive-date=2 January 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== International Catalan Way === === International Catalan Way ===
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* ]: ], ] and ] (]), ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ], ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] and ] (]), ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ], Rio de Janeiro and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]). * ]: ], ] and ] (]), ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ], ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] and ] (]), ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ], Rio de Janeiro and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]).
* ]: ] (]), ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ], ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] and ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ], Paris-], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]). * ]: ] (]), ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ], ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] and ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ], Paris-], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ], ] and ] (]), ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]).
* ]: ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]). * ]: ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]).
* ]: ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ] and ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]). * ]: ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ] (]), ], ], ], ] and ] (]), ] and ] (]), ] (]) and ] (]).
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=== Reactions against === === Reactions against ===
Initially, 12-O Moviment Cívic called for a demonstration in the ] square to circle around this monument, show their support for the "unity of Spain" and "break the pro-independence chain".<ref>{{cite news|title=Movimiento Cívico 12-O replicará a la Vía Catalana con un acto en la Sagrada Familia|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130819/54379551745/movimiento-civico-12-o-via-catalana-sagrada-familia.html|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=19 August 2013|language=Spanish}}</ref> However, the ] ruled that this demonstration could not be at the same time and in the same location for security reasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Interior autoriza el acto del Movimiento 12-O de la Diada pero prohíbe que coincida con la cadena|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130905/54381061029/movimiento-12-o-debera-cambiar-hora-lugar-acto-diada.html|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=5 September 2013|language=Spanish}}</ref> This, together with the limited support of the anti-independence political parties, led the organizers to call off the event and invited unionist Catholics to go to the Temple to pray and postponed an answer to the Catalan Way on 12 October, the '']''.<ref>{{cite news|title=El 12-O desconvoca la concentració a la Sagrada Família, però crida a anar-hi "a resar"|url=http://www.324.cat/noticia/2169873/politica/El-12-O-desconvoca-la-concentracio-a-la-Sagrada-Familia-pero-crida-a-anar-hi-a-resar|date=10 September 2013|agency=324.cat|language=Catalan}}</ref> Initially, 12-O Moviment Cívic called for a demonstration in the ] square to circle around this monument, show their support for the "unity of Spain" and "break the pro-independence chain".<ref>{{cite news|title=Movimiento Cívico 12-O replicará a la Vía Catalana con un acto en la Sagrada Familia|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130819/54379551745/movimiento-civico-12-o-via-catalana-sagrada-familia.html|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=19 August 2013|language=es}}</ref> However, the ] ruled that this demonstration could not be at the same time and in the same location for security reasons.<ref>{{cite news|title=Interior autoriza el acto del Movimiento 12-O de la Diada pero prohíbe que coincida con la cadena|url=http://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20130905/54381061029/movimiento-12-o-debera-cambiar-hora-lugar-acto-diada.html|newspaper=La Vanguardia|date=5 September 2013|language=es}}</ref> This, together with the limited support of the anti-independence political parties, led the organizers to call off the event and invited unionist Catholics to go to the Temple to pray and postponed an answer to the Catalan Way on 12 October, the '']''.<ref>{{cite news|title=El 12-O desconvoca la concentració a la Sagrada Família, però crida a anar-hi "a resar"|url=http://www.324.cat/noticia/2169873/politica/El-12-O-desconvoca-la-concentracio-a-la-Sagrada-Familia-pero-crida-a-anar-hi-a-resar|date=10 September 2013|agency=324.cat|language=ca}}</ref>


Fifteen far-right people holding pre-constitutional, ], ] flags assaulted the official ceremony of the Catalan National Day in the Catalan Government Centre in Madrid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Un grupo ultraderechista boicotea el acto de la Generalitat en Madrid por la Diada|url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/09/11/actualidad/1378923656_383702.html|newspaper=El País|date=11 September 2013}}</ref> They attacked those present, including the MP ], caused damage to furniture and threw ], shouting "''No nos engañan, Cataluña es España''" ("They don't deceive us, Catalonia is Spain").<ref>{{cite news|title=Un grup d'extrema dreta irromp a la seu de la Generalitat a Madrid per boicotejar l'acte de la Diada|url=http://www.ara.cat/viacatalana/dextrema-Generalitat-Madrid-boicotejar-Diada_0_991101136.html|newspaper=Ara|date=12 September 2013|language=Catalan}}</ref> Medical services treated a person with ], another for bruising, and a third for eye ]. Among the wounded there were elderly people and a five-year-old girl.<ref>{{cite news|title=Doce detenidos tras el ataque ultraderechista contra la sede de la Generalitat en Madrid|url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Once-detenidos-ultraderechista-Generalitat-Madrid_0_174633298.html|newspaper=Europa Press/Eldiario.es|date=12 September 2013}}</ref> Fifteen far-right people holding pre-constitutional, ], ] flags assaulted the official ceremony of the Catalan National Day in the Catalan Government Centre in Madrid.<ref>{{cite news|title=Un grupo ultraderechista boicotea el acto de la Generalitat en Madrid por la Diada|url=http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2013/09/11/actualidad/1378923656_383702.html|newspaper=El País|date=11 September 2013}}</ref> They attacked those present, including the MP ], caused damage to furniture and threw ], shouting "''No nos engañan, Cataluña es España''" ("They don't deceive us, Catalonia is Spain").<ref>{{cite news|title=Un grup d'extrema dreta irromp a la seu de la Generalitat a Madrid per boicotejar l'acte de la Diada|url=http://www.ara.cat/viacatalana/dextrema-Generalitat-Madrid-boicotejar-Diada_0_991101136.html|newspaper=Ara|date=12 September 2013|language=ca}}</ref> Medical services treated a person with ], another for bruising, and a third for eye ]. Among the wounded there were elderly people and a five-year-old girl.<ref>{{cite news|title=Doce detenidos tras el ataque ultraderechista contra la sede de la Generalitat en Madrid|url=http://www.eldiario.es/politica/Once-detenidos-ultraderechista-Generalitat-Madrid_0_174633298.html|newspaper=Europa Press/Eldiario.es|date=12 September 2013}}</ref>


=== Political consequences === === Political consequences ===
The Catalan National Assembly claimed that the day after the Catalan Way the Catalan government should set the date and the question of self-determination referendum in Catalonia, that "should be able to answer with a yes or no".<ref>{{cite news|title=La ANC quiere una fecha para la consulta el día después de la cadena humana|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/08/23/barcelona/1377253061.html|newspaper=El Mundo|date=23 August 2013|language=Spanish}}</ref> The Minister of the Presidency and spokesman of the Government of Catalonia Francesc Homs said the day after the Catalan way that "before the end of the year there should be a date and a question".<ref>{{cite news|title=Homs: "Abans de final d'any hi ha d'haver una data i una pregunta"|url=http://www.elpuntavui.cat/noticia/article/3-politica/17-politica/676877-homs-abans-de-final-dany-hi-ha-dhaver-una-data-i-una-pregunta.html|newspaper=El Punt Avui|date=12 September 2013|language=Catalan}}</ref> The Catalan National Assembly claimed that the day after the Catalan Way the Catalan government should set the date and the question of self-determination referendum in Catalonia, that "should be able to answer with a yes or no".<ref>{{cite news|title=La ANC quiere una fecha para la consulta el día después de la cadena humana|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/08/23/barcelona/1377253061.html|newspaper=El Mundo|date=23 August 2013|language=es}}</ref> The Minister of the Presidency and spokesman of the Government of Catalonia Francesc Homs said the day after the Catalan way that "before the end of the year there should be a date and a question".<ref>{{cite news|title=Homs: "Abans de final d'any hi ha d'haver una data i una pregunta"|url=http://www.elpuntavui.cat/noticia/article/3-politica/17-politica/676877-homs-abans-de-final-dany-hi-ha-dhaver-una-data-i-una-pregunta.html|newspaper=El Punt Avui|date=12 September 2013|language=ca}}</ref>


The ], ], said the day after that the executive had an obligation "to listen to all Spaniards", both "the people coming out" and the "silent majority" that "stay at home", who also "entitled" to ensure "for their freedoms and their views".<ref>{{cite news|title=Santamaría apela a escuchar también a las 'mayorías silenciosas' tras la Diada|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/12/espana/1378972792.html?a=a72d111f5058c94feeb073c145e3451b&t=1378974112&numero=|newspaper=El Mundo|date=12 September 2013|language=Spanish}}</ref> For its part, the Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs ], admitted that the Catalan Way was a "success of call, organization, logistics and communication", although he said that Spain would never accept a referendum agreed with Catalonia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Margallo admet que la Via Catalana va ser un èxit de convocatòria|url=http://www.elpuntavui.cat/noticia/article/3-politica/17-politica/676996-margallo-admet-que-la-via-catalana-va-ser-un-exit-de-convocatoria.html|newspaper=El Punt Avui|date=12 September 2013|language=Catalan}}</ref> The ], ], said the day after that the executive had an obligation "to listen to all Spaniards", both "the people coming out" and the "silent majority" that "stay at home", who also "entitled" to ensure "for their freedoms and their views".<ref>{{cite news|title=Santamaría apela a escuchar también a las 'mayorías silenciosas' tras la Diada|url=http://www.elmundo.es/elmundo/2013/09/12/espana/1378972792.html?a=a72d111f5058c94feeb073c145e3451b&t=1378974112&numero=|newspaper=El Mundo|date=12 September 2013|language=es}}</ref> For its part, the Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs ], admitted that the Catalan Way was a "success of call, organization, logistics and communication", although he said that Spain would never accept a referendum agreed with Catalonia.<ref>{{cite news|title=Margallo admet que la Via Catalana va ser un èxit de convocatòria|url=http://www.elpuntavui.cat/noticia/article/3-politica/17-politica/676996-margallo-admet-que-la-via-catalana-va-ser-un-exit-de-convocatoria.html|newspaper=El Punt Avui|date=12 September 2013|language=ca}}</ref>


=== International reaction === === International reaction ===
] spokesmen showed "great respect" for the Catalan Way and said they were "aware of its importance", although they recalled that the EU executive "can not interfere" in the internal affairs of member states.<ref>{{cite news|title=La CE mostra "gran respecte" per la Via Catalana i "és conscient de la seva importància"|url=http://www.acn.cat/acn/725120/Noticia/text/Noticia.html|date=11 September 2013|agency=ACN}}</ref> ] spokesmen showed "great respect" for the Catalan Way and said they were "aware of its importance", although they recalled that the EU executive "can not interfere" in the internal affairs of member states.<ref>{{cite news|title=La CE mostra "gran respecte" per la Via Catalana i "és conscient de la seva importància"|url=http://www.acn.cat/acn/725120/Noticia/text/Noticia.html|date=11 September 2013|agency=ACN}}</ref>


]'s PM ] said it would recognize ] as independent state, if declared in a legitimate process. Mr. Dombrovskis said: "If there is a clear will of the people and need for a referendum, we need to take that into account and seek means to make it real" "Provided there is legitimacy of the process, I would say, theoretically, why not?". Latvia, however, considers the question an internal matter of Spain and PM's press secretary latter said that PM had tried to remain neutral instead of showing support to the Catalan cause.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catalonians praise Latvian PM for his support|url=http://bnn-news.com/catalonians-praise-latvian-pm-support-102978|newspaper=Baltic News Network|date=13 September 2013}}</ref> Spanish government reacted asking to call the Latvian ambassador in Madrid to explain the prime minister's statements.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spain demands explanation from Latvia of Catalonia comment|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/13/us-spain-latvia-catalonia-idUSBRE98C0WS20130913|date=13 September 2013|agency=Reuters}}</ref> ]'s PM ] said it would recognize ] as independent state, if declared in a legitimate process. Mr. Dombrovskis said: "If there is a clear will of the people and need for a referendum, we need to take that into account and seek means to make it real" "Provided there is legitimacy of the process, I would say, theoretically, why not?". Latvia, however, considers the question an internal matter of Spain and PM's press secretary latter said that PM had tried to remain neutral instead of showing support to the Catalan cause.<ref>{{cite news|title=Catalonians praise Latvian PM for his support|url=http://bnn-news.com/catalonians-praise-latvian-pm-support-102978|newspaper=Baltic News Network|date=13 September 2013}}</ref> Spanish government reacted asking to call the Latvian ambassador in Madrid to explain the prime minister's statements.<ref>{{cite news|title=Spain demands explanation from Latvia of Catalonia comment|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-spain-latvia-catalonia-idUSBRE98C0WS20130913|date=13 September 2013|work=Reuters|access-date=30 June 2017|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924184655/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/13/us-spain-latvia-catalonia-idUSBRE98C0WS20130913|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 14 September ]'s PM ] said about Catalonia: "Each country must find its own path and has the right to ]. I welcome all peaceful ways of expressing solidarity and self-determination". He also said he was "very pleased" that the Lithuanian example "inspire" the Catalan independence clamor.<ref>{{cite news|title=El primer ministre lituà: "Cada país ha de trobar el seu propi camí i té dret a l'autodeterminació"|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/ministre-litua-trobar-propi-lautodeterminacio_0_992900923.html|date=14 September 2013|agency=Catalan News Agency}}</ref> On 14 September ]'s PM ] said about Catalonia: "Each country must find its own path and has the right to ]. I welcome all peaceful ways of expressing solidarity and self-determination". He also said he was "very pleased" that the Lithuanian example "inspire" the Catalan independence clamor.<ref>{{cite news|title=El primer ministre lituà: "Cada país ha de trobar el seu propi camí i té dret a l'autodeterminació"|url=http://www.ara.cat/politica/ministre-litua-trobar-propi-lautodeterminacio_0_992900923.html|date=14 September 2013|agency=Catalan News Agency}}</ref>


After the pressure of Spanish diplomacy,<ref>, VilaWeb</ref><ref>, ACN</ref><ref>, Catalan News Agency</ref><ref>, Reuters</ref> Lithuania's Foreign Ministry posted a statement expressing "concern over the tendentious and erroneous interpretation" by the Spanish press over the Lithuanian position. The statement said, "The Soviet occupation of the Baltic nations cannot be compared with the situation in Spain. Spain is the democratic country, a member of the European Union, our close partner in the EU and NATO." It said all domestic matters in Spain "should be resolved according to democratic and legal measures that exist within the country, respecting the Constitution.".<ref>{{cite news|title=Almunia Says Catalonia Would Need to Leave EU if it Secedes From Spain comment|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323527004579079031402636014?mod=WSJ_article_comments#articleTabs%3Darticle|date=16 September 2013|agency=Wall Street Journal}}</ref> After the pressure of Spanish diplomacy,<ref>, VilaWeb</ref><ref>, ACN</ref><ref>, Catalan News Agency</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924184655/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/09/13/us-spain-latvia-catalonia-idUSBRE98C0WS20130913 |date=24 September 2015 }}, Reuters</ref> Lithuania's Foreign Ministry posted a statement expressing "concern over the tendentious and erroneous interpretation" by the Spanish press over the Lithuanian position. The statement said, "The Soviet occupation of the Baltic nations cannot be compared with the situation in Spain. Spain is the democratic country, a member of the European Union, our close partner in the EU and NATO." It said all domestic matters in Spain "should be resolved according to democratic and legal measures that exist within the country, respecting the Constitution.".<ref>{{cite news|title=Almunia Says Catalonia Would Need to Leave EU if it Secedes From Spain comment|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323527004579079031402636014?mod=WSJ_article_comments#articleTabs%3Darticle|date=16 September 2013|work=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref>


==Following years== ==Following years==
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File:Via Catalana per la independencia Figueres 2013 (4).JPG|Catalan Way in ] File:Via Catalana per la independencia Figueres 2013 (4).JPG|Catalan Way in ]
</gallery> </gallery>

==See also ==
*]
*]
*]
*]
*]


== Notes == == Notes ==
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== Further reading == == Further reading ==
* {{Cite book|title=What's up with Catalonia?|url=http://files.cataloniapress.com/files/WhatsupCATcc.pdf|location=Ashfield, Massachusetts, USA|publisher=Catalonia Press|year=2013|isbn=978-1-61150-032-5|last=Castro|first=Liz, ed.|authorlink=Elizabeth Castro}} * {{Cite book|title=What's up with Catalonia?|url=https://archive.org/details/WhatsupCATcc|location=Ashfield, Massachusetts, USA|publisher=Catalonia Press|year=2013|isbn=978-1-61150-032-5|last=Castro|first=Liz, ed.|author-link=Elizabeth Castro|url-access=registration}}


== External links == == External links ==
{{commons category|Catalan Way}} {{commons category|Catalan Way}}
* official web site {{ca icon}} {{en icon}} {{fr icon}} {{es icon}} * official web site {{in lang|ca|en|fr|es}}
* {{en icon}} * {{in lang|en}}
* {{ca icon}}, English subtitles * {{in lang|ca}}, English subtitles
* *


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] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 11:02, 10 November 2024

2013 political demonstration in Catalonia

Catalan Way
Catalan Way (section 235) in Via Augusta street, TarragonaCatalan Way (section 235) in Via Augusta street, Tarragona
Date11 September 2013
LocationCatalonia
GoalsIndependence of Catalonia
MethodsProtest march, street protest

The Catalan Way (Catalan: Via Catalana), also known as the Catalan Way towards Independence (Catalan: Via Catalana cap a la Independència), was a 400-kilometre (250 mi) human chain in support of Catalan independence from Spain. It was organized by the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and supported by 14 nongovernmental groups. It took place in Catalonia on 11 September 2013, which is the National Day of Catalonia, known as Diada. Catalonia's Department of the Interior estimated the number of participants at about 1.6 million. The human chain followed the ancient Via Augusta, from Le Perthus (France, Vallespir) to Vinaròs (Spain, Baix Maestrat). According to Carme Forcadell, president of the ANC at that time, it was "a symbol of the unity of Catalan people to achieve national sovereignty".

Plans for the Catalan Way were presented for the first time on 19 June 2013, at the Museu d'Història de Catalunya; the inspiration for these was the 1989 Baltic Way. The presentation included Henn Karits and Ülo Laanoja, two members of the organization which staged the Baltic Way. Three weeks before the event, more than 350,000 people had registered to participate. In total, the organizers mobilized about 1,500 buses and 30,000 volunteers to help organize the event.

Catalan Way 2014 took place the next year.

Historical precedents

The estelada (Catalan pro-independence flag) in the 2012 Catalan independence demonstration

In 1989, the Baltic Way was organized by the peoples of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, spanning across the three Baltic states which at the time were occupied and annexed by the Soviet Union. This human chain linked the capitals of the three countries demanding the end to the Soviet occupation. During the final stages of the Cold War, the three Baltic countries were able to restore full independence in August 1991. According to the Baltic Way's manifesto, "A common European home can only set up if all European nations are granted a free right to self-determination".

The 2010 Catalan autonomy protest was a demonstration held in central Barcelona on 10 July 2010 against the limits set to the autonomy of Catalonia within Spain, and particularly against a then recent decision of the Spanish Constitutional Court to annul or reinterpret several articles of the 2006 Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia, approved in referendum by 73.9% of the voters. The number of people taking part in the demonstration was estimated at between 1.1 million (according to the local police) and 1.5 million (according to the organisers) Madrid-based newspaper El País estimated the number of demonstrators at 425,000.

Catalonia saw several local referendums for independence take place in hundreds of villages between 13 September 2009 and April 2011, with an overwhelming number of "yes" votes being cast.

The 2012 Catalan independence demonstration, organized by the Catalan National Assembly, argued that Catalonia should become an independent state within the European Union, under the slogan "Catalonia, new state in Europe". The number of participants was estimated at about 1.5 million according to Barcelona's Municipal Police and Catalonia's Department of the Interior, about 2 million according to the organizers, and about 600,000 according to the delegation of the Spanish government in Catalonia.

Pre-Catalan Way activities

Registration and previous acts

The Catalan Way was presented for the first time on 19 June 2013, at the Museu d'Història de Catalunya. The presentation included Henn Karits and Ülo Laanoja, two members of the organization which staged the Baltic Way.

On 4 July, the National Catalan Assembly (ANC) opened the registering period through its website. More than 22,000 people were registered during the first 24 hours and over 78,000 the first week. Registrations grew steadily since then and, three weeks before the event, more than 350,000 people had already signed in. The southern areas of Catalonia were considered the hardest ones to fill due to being less populated and farther from Barcelona. On 2 September, nine days before the Diada, no section of the Catalan Way was left with low occupancy.

During the summer, some practice runs of the Catalan Way took place in several cities around Catalonia.

Response of the political parties

Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC), Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) and Candidatura d'Unitat Popular (CUP) expressed their support and participation in the Catalan Way, while Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (PSC), Partit Popular (PP) and Ciutadans opposed. Initiative for Catalonia Greens (ICV) asked their activists to join the human chain organized by Procés Constituent to surround La Caixa the same day.

Support of the Catalan political parties to the 2012 demonstration and to the Catalan Way
Political Party 2012 2013
CiU/Convergència Democràtica de Catalunya (CDC) Yes Yes
CiU/Unió Democràtica de Catalunya (UDC) Yes No
Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC) Yes Yes
Partit dels Socialistes de Catalunya (PSC) No No
Partit Popular de Catalunya (PP) No No
Initiative for Catalonia Greens (ICV-EUiA) Yes No
Ciutadans - Partit de la Ciutadania (C's) No No
Candidatura d'Unitat Popular (CUP) No Yes

Artur Mas, President of the Generalitat of Catalonia and Núria de Gispert, President of the Parliament of Catalonia, decided not to participate for "institutional reasons", although they encouraged the people to participate in the Catalan Way and announced that they would meet with the organizers of the human chain on the same 11 September.

Chain's path

Human chain route in Catalonia

In Catalonia

Start of the section 650, in Pontós (Alt Empordà)

The human chain followed the old Via Augusta, crossing the following 86 towns and municipalities (sorted from North to South): Le Perthus, la Jonquera, Pont de Molins, Figueres, Santa Llogaia d'Àlguema, Bàscara, Orriols, Sarrià de Ter, Sant Julià de Ramis, Girona, Fornells de la Selva, Riudellots de la Selva, Tordera, Pineda de Mar, Calella, Sant Pol de Mar, Canet de Mar, Arenys de Mar, Caldes d'Estrac, Sant Vicenç de Montalt, Sant Andreu de Llavaneres, Mataró, Vilassar de Mar, Premià de Mar, El Masnou, Montgat, Badalona, Sant Adrià de Besòs, Barcelona, l'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, Sant Just Desvern, Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Molins de Rei, Sant Vicenç dels Horts, Cervelló, Vallirana, Ordal, Cantallops, Sant Cugat Sesgarrigues, Olèrdola, Vilafranca del Penedès, Santa Margarida i els Monjos, la Ràpita, l'Arboç, Castellet i la Gornal, Bellvei, el Vendrell, Roda de Berà, Creixell, Clarà, Torredembarra, Altafulla, Tarragona, Reus, Riudoms, Montbrió del Camp, Mont-roig del Camp, l'Hospitalet de l'Infant, l'Ametlla de Mar, El Perelló, l'Ampolla, Camarles, l'Aldea, Amposta, Sant Carles de la Ràpita and Alcanar.

In Barcelona, the path ran along several main streets, such as avinguda Diagonal, plaça de Sant Jaume and Eixample.

Branches out of Catalonia

Two extensions of the Catalan Way, one up to Le Boulou, France, and the other one down to Vinaròs, Valencian Community, were made. The Northern Catalonia ANC territorial assembly was responsible to extend the Catalan Way from Pertús to el Voló, and several civic and political Valencian organizations, coordinated by Acció Cultural del País Valencià, prepared an extension from Vinaròs.

International Catalan Way

The Foreign Assemblies of the ANC, in collaboration with the Catalan Communities Abroad and Catalans al Món, organized more than 116 Catalan Ways carried out mainly between 1 August and 11 September 2013 in major cities around the world "to support the democratic independence process of Catalonia". More than 8,000 Catalans and supporters of Catalonia's independence participated in the International Catalan Way.

  • Previous Catalan Way in Lisbon, on 30 August Previous Catalan Way in Lisbon, on 30 August
  • Previous Catalan Way in Paris, on 2 September Previous Catalan Way in Paris, on 2 September
  • Previous Catalan Way in Stockholm, on 31 August Previous Catalan Way in Stockholm, on 31 August
  • Pro-independence protest in Times Square, New York City, on 31 August Pro-independence protest in Times Square, New York City, on 31 August

Consequences

Reactions against

Initially, 12-O Moviment Cívic called for a demonstration in the Sagrada Família square to circle around this monument, show their support for the "unity of Spain" and "break the pro-independence chain". However, the Ministry of the Interior of the Government of Catalonia ruled that this demonstration could not be at the same time and in the same location for security reasons. This, together with the limited support of the anti-independence political parties, led the organizers to call off the event and invited unionist Catholics to go to the Temple to pray and postponed an answer to the Catalan Way on 12 October, the Fiesta Nacional de España.

Fifteen far-right people holding pre-constitutional, Falange, National Alliance flags assaulted the official ceremony of the Catalan National Day in the Catalan Government Centre in Madrid. They attacked those present, including the MP Josep Sánchez i Llibre, caused damage to furniture and threw pepper spray, shouting "No nos engañan, Cataluña es España" ("They don't deceive us, Catalonia is Spain"). Medical services treated a person with mental breakdown, another for bruising, and a third for eye irritation. Among the wounded there were elderly people and a five-year-old girl.

Political consequences

The Catalan National Assembly claimed that the day after the Catalan Way the Catalan government should set the date and the question of self-determination referendum in Catalonia, that "should be able to answer with a yes or no". The Minister of the Presidency and spokesman of the Government of Catalonia Francesc Homs said the day after the Catalan way that "before the end of the year there should be a date and a question".

The Deputy Prime Minister of Spain, Soraya Sáenz de Santamaría, said the day after that the executive had an obligation "to listen to all Spaniards", both "the people coming out" and the "silent majority" that "stay at home", who also "entitled" to ensure "for their freedoms and their views". For its part, the Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs José Manuel García-Margallo, admitted that the Catalan Way was a "success of call, organization, logistics and communication", although he said that Spain would never accept a referendum agreed with Catalonia.

International reaction

European Commission spokesmen showed "great respect" for the Catalan Way and said they were "aware of its importance", although they recalled that the EU executive "can not interfere" in the internal affairs of member states.

Latvia's PM Valdis Dombrovskis said it would recognize Catalonia as independent state, if declared in a legitimate process. Mr. Dombrovskis said: "If there is a clear will of the people and need for a referendum, we need to take that into account and seek means to make it real" "Provided there is legitimacy of the process, I would say, theoretically, why not?". Latvia, however, considers the question an internal matter of Spain and PM's press secretary latter said that PM had tried to remain neutral instead of showing support to the Catalan cause. Spanish government reacted asking to call the Latvian ambassador in Madrid to explain the prime minister's statements.

On 14 September Lithuania's PM Algirdas Butkevičius said about Catalonia: "Each country must find its own path and has the right to self-determination. I welcome all peaceful ways of expressing solidarity and self-determination". He also said he was "very pleased" that the Lithuanian example "inspire" the Catalan independence clamor.

After the pressure of Spanish diplomacy, Lithuania's Foreign Ministry posted a statement expressing "concern over the tendentious and erroneous interpretation" by the Spanish press over the Lithuanian position. The statement said, "The Soviet occupation of the Baltic nations cannot be compared with the situation in Spain. Spain is the democratic country, a member of the European Union, our close partner in the EU and NATO." It said all domestic matters in Spain "should be resolved according to democratic and legal measures that exist within the country, respecting the Constitution.".

Following years

The Catalan Way was followed in the succeeding years by the Catalan Way 2014, the Free Way to the Catalan Republic (2015) and Go ahead, Catalan Republic (2016).

Gallery

See also

Notes

  1. Supported an alternative demonstration the same day.

References

  1. ^ Moffett, Matt (5 September 2013). "Catalan Separatists to Link for Independence Cause". The Wall Street Journal.
  2. Toyer, Julien. "Pragmatism may guide politicians as Catalonian separatism flares again". Reuters. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  3. "More than 1 million Catalans form human chain to promote their bid to break away from Spain". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 11 September 2013. Archived from the original on 12 September 2013.
  4. "De la Jonquera a Alcanar: 400 km de 'Via Catalana' cap a l'estat independent" (in Catalan). Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  5. ^ "Hand in Hand for Catalan independence over 250 miles and 86 towns". News Catalonia. 20 June 2013.
  6. ^ Bosque, Daniel (8 September 2013). "Catalans rally for vast human chain independence bid". AFP.
  7. ^ "Catalonia readies for large pro-independence march in Barcelona, human chain crossing region". The Washington Post. Associated Press. 10 September 2013. Archived from the original on 28 November 2018.
  8. "Human chain for Catalan independence organized". World Bulletin. 6 September 2013.
  9. "Pro-independence supporters prepare a 400 km-long human chain on Catalonia's National Day". Catalan News Agency. 23 August 2013.
  10. "Catalan protesters rally for greater autonomy in Spain". BBC News. 10 July 2010. Retrieved 17 September 2012.
  11. "La manifestació ha desbordat totes les previsions". El Periódico de Catalunya. 10 July 2010. Archived from the original on 4 March 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2013.. (in Catalan)
  12. "Un millón de personas inundan Barcelona en una histórica manifestación de rechazo a la sentencia contra el Estatut". La Vanguardia. 10 July 2010. Archived from the original on 13 July 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2013.
  13. Cálculo de asistentes (in Spanish)
  14. "400 Kilometer Menschenkette für die Unabhängigkeit". Die Welt (in German). 11 September 2013.
  15. Piñol, Àngels (11 September 2012). "El independentismo catalán logra una histórica exhibición de fuerza" (in Spanish). Barcelona. El País. Retrieved 12 September 2012.
  16. "Diada.- El Govern central xifra l'assistència en 600.000 persones" (in Catalan). Barcelona. Europa Press. 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  17. "La delegació del govern espanyol a Catalunya xifra en 600.000 els assistents a la manifestació de la Diada" (in Catalan). Madrid. Agència Catalana de Notícies. 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 13 September 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2012.
  18. "Més de 78.000 inscrits a la Via Catalana en una setmana" (in Catalan). VilaWeb. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  19. "Ja hi ha més de cent mil inscrits a la Via Catalana". VilaWeb. Retrieved 12 July 2013.
  20. "250.000 inscritos para la cadena humana independentista de la Diada" (in Spanish). Cadena SER. EFE. Archived from the original on 30 July 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  21. "L'ANC avisa que tothom que participi en la Via Catalana serà comptat com a independentista" (in Catalan). El Periódico de Catalunya. 19 August 2013. Retrieved 19 August 2013.
  22. "Ja no queda cap tram de la Via Catalana amb baixa ocupació" (in Catalan). VilaWeb. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
  23. "Més de 22.000 inscrits en 24 hores per a la cadena humana de l'11-S" (in Catalan). Ara. 5 July 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  24. "The majority of Catalan parties propose an independence vote in 2014 the day after the human chain". Catalan News Agency. 12 September 2013.
  25. Fornell, Ramon (11 September 2013). "Anti-capitalist independence for Catalonia". Demotix.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2015. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  26. "El recorregut de la cadena humana de l'Onze de Setembre ja és públic" (in Catalan). vilaweb. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  27. "La Via Catalana passarà pels punts més emblemàtics de Barcelona". Barcelona TV. 19 June 2013.
  28. "Catalan Way Wins in Valencian Court". Help Catalonia. 11 September 2013. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 13 September 2013.
  29. "Catalans Around the World Claim Independence from Spain". Global Voices. 11 September 2013.
  30. "Movimiento Cívico 12-O replicará a la Vía Catalana con un acto en la Sagrada Familia". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 19 August 2013.
  31. "Interior autoriza el acto del Movimiento 12-O de la Diada pero prohíbe que coincida con la cadena". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 5 September 2013.
  32. "El 12-O desconvoca la concentració a la Sagrada Família, però crida a anar-hi "a resar"" (in Catalan). 324.cat. 10 September 2013.
  33. "Un grupo ultraderechista boicotea el acto de la Generalitat en Madrid por la Diada". El País. 11 September 2013.
  34. "Un grup d'extrema dreta irromp a la seu de la Generalitat a Madrid per boicotejar l'acte de la Diada". Ara (in Catalan). 12 September 2013.
  35. "Doce detenidos tras el ataque ultraderechista contra la sede de la Generalitat en Madrid". Europa Press/Eldiario.es. 12 September 2013.
  36. "La ANC quiere una fecha para la consulta el día después de la cadena humana". El Mundo (in Spanish). 23 August 2013.
  37. "Homs: "Abans de final d'any hi ha d'haver una data i una pregunta"". El Punt Avui (in Catalan). 12 September 2013.
  38. "Santamaría apela a escuchar también a las 'mayorías silenciosas' tras la Diada". El Mundo (in Spanish). 12 September 2013.
  39. "Margallo admet que la Via Catalana va ser un èxit de convocatòria". El Punt Avui (in Catalan). 12 September 2013.
  40. "La CE mostra "gran respecte" per la Via Catalana i "és conscient de la seva importància"". ACN. 11 September 2013.
  41. "Catalonians praise Latvian PM for his support". Baltic News Network. 13 September 2013.
  42. "Spain demands explanation from Latvia of Catalonia comment". Reuters. 13 September 2013. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  43. "El primer ministre lituà: "Cada país ha de trobar el seu propi camí i té dret a l'autodeterminació"". Catalan News Agency. 14 September 2013.
  44. La diplomàcia letona i la lituana rectifiquen per la pressió espanyola, VilaWeb
  45. La reacció de la diplomàcia espanyola "sorprèn" el primer ministre lituà, ACN
  46. Latvia and Lithuania say the press offered a "biased" version of their Prime Ministers’ statements on Catalonia, Catalan News Agency
  47. Spain demands explanation from Latvia of Catalonia comment Archived 24 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine, Reuters
  48. "Almunia Says Catalonia Would Need to Leave EU if it Secedes From Spain comment". The Wall Street Journal. 16 September 2013.

Further reading

External links

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