Security forces prepare for high-tension Diada
The Mossos d'Esquadra have established a security perimeter at Fossar de les Moreres in central Barcelona ahead of Catalonia's National Day on Thursday 11 September 2026, preparing to separate rival groups after months of rising tension. Officers intend to divide the space into two zones: one for members of the far-right party Aliança Catalana, led by Ripoll mayor Sílvia Orriols, and another for an anti-fascist demonstration organised to block their presence. On Wednesday afternoon, access streets to the historic site were already closed as around 40 Aliança Catalana members set up sound equipment for their event, scheduled for 5pm. Police sources confirm the operational deployment will exceed previous years due to heightened mobilisation detected on social media and the anticipated turnout from both sides.
Clash expected at Fossar de les Moreres
Anti-fascist groups including Alerta Solidària, Arran, COS, Endavant and SEPC have called a 5pm concentration at Fossar de les Moreres under the slogan 'Unity Against Fascism for a Land for Everyone', with the explicit aim of preventing Aliança Catalana from laying a floral tribute like other independence parties. This marks a shift from previous years, when protests against the party were smaller and stopped by police at a distance. Aliança Catalana has organised coach transport from across Catalonia, including Ponent, Camp de Tarragona, Ripoll, Vic, Berga, Anoia, Penedès, Alt Empordà and Gironès, to boost attendance. In parallel, the platform Seny i Ordre, led by former Boixos Nois figure Josep Lluís Sureda, has recruited individuals to 'monitor' potential attacks on Orriols' supporters and 'oversee' what they describe as violent behaviour by the far left.
Police are planning to control and protect access points to prevent opposing groups from making contact.
Núcleo Nacional rally to test security on Diada day
The tensions extend beyond 10 September. On the morning of the 11th, traditional independence events will take place, including a tribute to Gustau Muñoz on Ferran Street at 10.15am, Òmnium’s Festa per la Llibertat on Lluís Companys promenade, and a joint demonstration by the ANC and Òmnium starting at 5pm from Via Laietana and Plaça Universitat under the slogan 'I am here, we are here. For the present and for the future independence'. The Independentist Left (EI) will march from Plaça d'Urquinaona at 6pm. However, far-right group Núcleo Nacional has scheduled a rally at 6pm on 11 September at Plaça Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer, at the intersection of Avinguda Diagonal and Passeig de Sant Joan, under the slogan 'Catalan identity is Spanish identity'. The phrase is widely interpreted as a political provocation on a day historically associated with Catalan nationalism. A counter-demonstration has been called by the Coordinadora Antifeixista de Barcelona at the same time near Verdaguer metro station. The Mossos are analysing how to prevent contact between the two groups, aware that ideologically opposed crowds in close proximity, combined with large transversal marches elsewhere, create a complex security challenge.
Political divisions deepen ahead of Diada
The presence of Aliança Catalana at such a symbolic site has deepened divisions within the independence movement. Once marginal, the party’s increasing visibility, including Orriols’ use of anti-immigration rhetoric, has sparked resistance from leftist and grassroots sectors who view their participation as normalising hate speech. Reports indicate that last year, a group of about 30 protesters confronted Aliança Catalana at Fossar de les Moreres, but were halted by police in the Born area, 300 metres away, with no incidents recorded. This year, the scale of mobilisation suggests a significantly higher risk of confrontation. Meanwhile, concerns remain over extremist symbolism. Spanish far-right activists have previously used Nazi-style salutes at anti-migrant protests, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, raising sensitivity around Núcleo Nacional’s event. Residents and visitors are advised to expect road closures and transport disruptions around Fossar de les Moreres, Plaça Catalunya, and the Verdaguer-Diagonal area on both 10 and 11 September. Official updates are available via the Mossos d'Esquadra website.
Reported by Miriam Saint-Germain, Guillem RS, donporque.com, abc.es, elmundo.es, elperiodico.com, jta.org, ara.cat, vilaweb.cat, larazon.es, Directa.
