Tàrrega has commemorated the national day of Catalonia with a traditional institutional event at the Plaza de Rafael Casanova. As is customary, local authorities, political parties, and around twenty community organisations laid floral offerings at the monument dedicated to the martyrs of 1714. Approximately 300 people attended the gathering.
The event opened with a performance by three dancers from Esbart Albada, who presented the Ball de l’Homenatge, a choreography resembling the Basque aurresku. Following this, the mayor, Rosa Maria Perelló, led the offering from the four municipal groups represented in the council: Junts per Tàrrega and CUP (the governing coalition) and ERC and PSC (the opposition), who presented a laurel wreath.
“We must be firm: in the Catalonia we are building, there is no place for hate. We close the door, emphatically, to all exclusionary, racist, and fascist expressions,” stated Rosa Maria Perelló. She added, “Fascism is not an opinion; it is a threat to human rights and to democracy itself.”
Following the mayor's speech, floral offerings were made by various entities from the realms of politics, culture, sports, and social services. The celebration, characterised by its pluralistic nature, was predominantly a call for rights and freedoms. Additionally, the event featured a citizen gathering that displayed a banner and slogans against the far-right.
The programme concluded with a rendition of the Catalan national anthem, 'Els Segadors', performed by the audience under the direction of Antoni Torres. This year, the Diada celebration, along with the upcoming Aplec de Sant Eloi on Sunday, is complemented by a wide range of cultural events aimed at reviving the spirit of the former September Festival. From 9 to 13 September, the capital of Urgell will offer a cultural programme that coincides with FiraTàrrega, the major street arts festival. For instance, a musical vermouth featuring Miki Puig and the group Fetus, as well as a concert by Ireix and DJ Ryna, took place today at the Plaza de les Nacions sense Estat, organised by La Soll.
