Extremadura will host institutional events linked to Catalonia's Diada on 16 and 17 September, President Salvador Illa has announced. The events will be the first Diada celebrations held outside Catalonia and outside Madrid, giving Extremadura residents a local role in a programme intended to recognise migration ties between the two territories.

Illa said the choice of Extremadura was intended to recognise the contribution made to Catalonia by many thousands of Extremadurans, as well as Catalans of Extremaduran origin. Diada Nacional de Catalunya, Catalonia's national day, is observed on 11 September, while related institutional events can take place before or after that date.

"[The aim is] to recognise the contribution of many thousands of Extremadurans to Catalonia and of many Catalans of Extremaduran origin."Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat

The Generalitat, Catalonia's government, intends to rotate the initiative through other territories in future years. The announcement did not set out the venues or a public programme for the Extremadura events.

In the same interview, Illa argued that Catalonia has scope to progressively make a substantial improvement to, and rethink, its education system. He said that capacity would increase if Spain reforms its autonomous community funding model.

Before a meeting of the Consejo de Política Fiscal y Financiera, Spain's Fiscal and Financial Policy Council, Illa called for a calm discussion on the funding model.

"It is the moment of truth for everyone."Salvador Illa

He also said he would be willing to meet former Catalan president Carles Puigdemont if Junts, the pro-independence party, makes a formal request, as part of efforts to secure parliamentary backing in the Congress of Deputies for the funding proposal.

Primary sources: Generalitat de Catalunya. Reported by cope.es, democrata.es, europapress.es, elperiodicoextremadura.com, elperiodico.com.

  • Catalonia financing reform meeting set for 4 September
  • Junts claims alternative to Illa after two years
  • Catalan Government to Co-Manage Rodalies from 2026
  • Puigdemont awaits court ruling before return to Catalonia