Cataluña: Ethnic division in Spain

Spain is a country full of beauty, culture, food, flamenco, human towers, and running of the bulls. However, Spain has much more than just flamenco. The Spanish Crown, a horrific civil war, and a dictatorship have shaped the country into how it is today. Even 40 years after the Dictatorship of Franco died, Spain still sees its ghosts from the past. Especially in the province of Cataluña, as well as several others. 

Cataluña, or in English Catalonia, is a region in Northeastern Spain where the ethnic divide between Spanish and Catalán is strong. Cataluña is probably the most controversial topics politically in Spain today (others might disagree). Why is that so? Well, I could give a long history of Catalonia and its struggles but I highly recommend reading about the subject of Catalonia. This province is home to Spain's business, industry, and lots of tourism. But with that comes a few problems. Catalonia has its own language, culture, flag, and foods apart from Spain so catalán nationalism is very high with calls for independence from Spain. But why? 

A massive civil war took place between 1936 and 1939 after the fall of the short-lived Republic. Forces loyal to the Republic (republicans) and those opposed (the nationalists) fought over the control of Spain. Some might say the war was Communism vs. Fascism, but many could disagree with that like author Anthony Beevor in his book The Battle for Spain. 

Read this book to get more insight into the Spanish Civil War and its politics. 

Catalonia was a strong supporter of the Republic, which favored a more socialist republic and separation from Spain. When the war was over and the Nationalists won, this changed Spain into a far-right nationalist country, or in better terms a dictatorship, under Francisco Franco. Once Franco came to power, the Republicans were devastated and punished by the new government with executions, imprisonment, and a complete end to Catalonia with criminalizing the Catalan language ( along with the Basques). 

Now 40 years since Franco's death the Catalans have resurfaced their strong desire to declare independence from Spain. But this dream would be crushed immediately. 

Even though Spain is no longer a dictatorship many Spaniards from provinces like Castile-La Mancha, Castile-León, and Madrid all, if not many, have a sense of pride about being Spanish and refuse to allow the Catalans from leaving. This goes the same way with Catalans towards Spaniards. In October of 2017, Catalonia attempted a referendum for Independence but the voting was interrupted by the Spanish Police and Guardia forces as they drove into the streets of Barcelona, arresting those to tried to vote. 

This sudden attempt by Catalonia struck fear into Madrid as the idea of them losing their business and industry province didn't suit them well. Since then, Barcelona has tried and tried again to voice its demand for Independence. With this desire comes radicalized groups such as the CDR (Committee for the Defense of the Republic) and pro-Franco fascist groups. Slogans like "Viva España" and " Viva Cataluña" are very popular amongst this ethnic division in Spain. If Catalonia were to gain its independence many experts say that Spain could lose millions of dollars of revenue from the economy of Catalonia. In term, this also could make Catalonia part of the European Union. 

In my own personal opinion, Spain needs to confront its demons and find a more peaceful way between Catalans and Spaniards. I am not a huge supporter of the Independence of Catalonia but I believe they need some sort of independence from Madrid. I've seen pictures of protestors in Spain with signs that read "I am Spanish and Catalan" or "Viva España y Cataluña" which gives me hope that there are those who are proud to be both Catalan and a part of Spain. If Madrid and Barcelona can find a solution for this continuous fight, then perhaps tho can settle years of ethnic tension within España.