Blaze Forsby
Photographer, writer, and tour guide
Holiday Shopping in Barcelona: National Day of Catalonia
Where to buy presents for La Diada
About this guide
The National Day of Catalonia, known locally as "La Diada," is celebrated on September 11th each year. This day marks the anniversary of the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714. The significance of this day lies in its representation of Catalonia's struggle for rights and freedoms, as well as its distinct identity within Spain. It's a day of both remembrance and pride, highlighting the region's history, language, and cultural traditions.
September 11 — National Day of Catalonia
In Barcelona, the day is usually filled with demonstrations and various concerts. You can see Catalan flags and other symbols of the region everywhere throughout the city. A fun tradition of National Day is "castells," or human towers. Climbing on each other's shoulders, performers create a structure 6-7 tiers high. This tradition is so characteristic of Catalania that UNESCO recognized castells as a piece of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The best way to commemorate this celebration is probably to buy a piece of art created by local artists. A good idea is also to create something interesting with your own hands. Below you will find a few places that can help you.
Art Escudellers
🏺 Handcrafted ceramics
Blaze Forsby, Kate
Arts Escudellers offers a huge selection of original pottery pieces and unique ceramic souvenirs. They are great for their traditional and Catalan Modernism-inspired ornaments. The place has historic roots. Carrer dels Escudelleres, in fact, used to be the street where potters lived in the Gothic Quarter. From the 14th century, the street housed Escudellers, potters who specialized in the production of ‘escudillas.’ These various pots decorated with traditional motives were used for virtually everything at the time. The historic traditions are now reborn in this eclectic shop. Prices vary. You will find here cheap things around 5-7 Euros and elaborate pieces worth hundreds.
🌐 Website
Galería Maxó Petritxol
🧑🏼🎨 Edgy artBlaze Forsby
Founded by an Argentine artist Maxó Renella, this art gallery has already become somewhat of a local icon. It is easily recognizable by a life-size cardboard Picasso print-out standing by the entrance. The Maxó Gallery specializes in edgy pop-art posters and traditional artwork pieces featuring Barcelona’s most iconic sights – often in new, unexpected interpretations. Most artwork is created right there in the shop or in Maxó’s workshop in Carrer del Portal Nou. You will find here things around 30-40 Euros, but most of their art is 100 Euros and higher.
🌐 Website
Centre d'Artesania Catalunya
🎨 Artisan meccaBlaze Forsby
This is a gallery-store that showcases a huge range of artwork and souvenirs in every style, medium, and price point. All things are created by local artisans. Here, you can find some of the most unique pieces. The center is under the patronage of the Catalan government and curated by people who are truly passionate about their local artists. So, you can be sure that you will find something special that reflects the traditions of Catalonia.
Raima
🖌️ The largest stationery store for arts and crafts in EuropeBlaze Forsby
What started as a conventional neighborhood shop in 1979, later turned into Raima, a secret Disneyland for creative folks. Located in an emblematic 1513 building on Carrer Comtal, a bustling commercial street in Barri Gothic, it has several stories filled with everything arts and crafts-related that you could possibly wish for.
It is a heaven for those crafty creative types who like to make their own DIY presents. This shop has everything from raw materials, like fabrics, painting supplies, and papers – to the hand-made designer greeting cards, fancy pens, unique calendars, and Barcelona-themed tote bags.
Its top floor is also hiding a cool secret space called 'Nimura' – a cultural venue that hosts all kinds of events: book presentations, art workshops, exhibitions, concerts, and much more. And the cherry on top (literally on TOP) is the rooftop terrace with a hidden entrance!