Barcelona’s Sagrada Família has defended the removal of about 600 singers from a ceremony on 24 March 2026, saying they intended to perform an unscheduled song and display political symbols during the blessing of the Jesus Christ tower.
According to accounts from singers, they were directed out through a rear exit even though they were due to take part later in a light and music show in front of the Nativity façade. Mossos d’Esquadra officers then escorted them outside the temple.
In a brief statement, the basilica said the performance of Els Segadors, the Catalan national anthem, was not part of the official programme. It also said the display of paper estelades, Catalan independence flags, went against its general policy. More Catalonia news
The Sagrada Família said the act had to follow a programme agreed in advance. It also said that, as a Catholic temple, flags are not normally brought into religious celebrations. For background on the site itself, see the official Sagrada Família website.
Sources from the Mossos d’Esquadra told VilaWeb that Spanish police were responsible for internal security at the temple. They said Mossos officers helped escort the singers out to prevent attempts to re-enter the ceremony area, and that accreditation documents clearly banned flags, banners and political symbols.
Carlos Prieto, the Spanish government delegate in Catalonia, told Europa Press that the singers were invited to leave. He said Spanish police, Mossos d’Esquadra and Sagrada Família private security worked together to guide them out, and that there was no significant tension. The event had been agreed with the Vatican and was meant to avoid ideological or identity-related elements.
Salvador Illa, president of the Generalitat, did not answer direct questions about the incident when speaking to the press at Barcelona airport after seeing off Pope Leo XIV. Junts, ERC and CUP have asked for explanations, while questions remain about how the singers’ plans were known and who ordered their removal. VilaWeb said it sought comment from the Sagrada Família’s communication director but did not receive a response.