Strong turnout for Aliança Catalana in Tarragona
Aliança Catalana demonstrated rising visibility during Catalonia's National Day, or Diada, on Friday 11 September 2026, drawing a significant number of supporters to a floral tribute at the Rafael Casanova monument in Tarragona. The event, part of broader regional commemorations, was marked by a solemn and symbolic atmosphere focused on defending Catalan language, culture and national identity. Party sources claim Aliança Catalana was the largest single group present at the Tarragona gathering, interpreting the turnout as evidence of its expanding territorial influence. The party has been gaining momentum in recent months, particularly in areas beyond its traditional strongholds.
Broader Diada events see lower turnout amid tensions
Across Catalonia, the Diada saw reduced attendance compared to previous years. According to police figures cited by multiple outlets, a total of around 41,500 people participated in simultaneous pro-independence marches in Barcelona (28,000), Girona (12,000) and Tortosa (1,500), down from 73,500 the previous year. Rain and internal divisions within the independence movement contributed to the lower numbers. In Barcelona, Aliança Catalana leader Sílvia Orriols attended the march with hundreds of supporters, but the group was kept separate from the main procession by Mossos d'Esquadra officers. They faced verbal opposition from other demonstrators, who shouted slogans such as "Fuera fascistas de nuestros barrios" (Out fascists from our neighbourhoods), highlighting tensions between the party and more mainstream independence groups.
"We have been the most numerous group and each year we are more,"
party sources said, framing the Tarragona event as proof of growing public alignment with their political project ahead of upcoming municipal elections.
Growing political presence and polling gains
Recent opinion polls suggest Aliança Catalana is gaining ground. According to CEO barometer data reported by El País and eldiario.es, the party could emerge as the third-largest force in the Catalan Parliament, potentially surpassing Junts in areas like Girona and Lleida. Projections specific to Tarragona suggest the party could win five seats in the regional parliament. The party has also expanded its local organisation, establishing new committees in Vic, Castellar del Vallès, Esplugues and Sant Feliu de Guíxols. It reports a surge in membership, with approximately 200 new members joining every fortnight, according to figures cited by ABC. Aliança Catalana used the Diada to reinforce its message of Catalan sovereignty and identity, positioning itself as a growing force within the fragmented independence movement despite controversy over its political stance.
Reported by eldiario.es, heraldo.es, rtve.es, abc.es, diaridetarragona.com, infoLibre, cronicaglobal.elespanol.com, gironanoticies.com, en.ara.cat, GIRONA NOTÍCIES, xcatalunya.cat, Vilapress, elpais.com.
