National symbols of Catalonia


The national symbols of Catalonia are objects, icons or cultural expressions that are emblematic, representative or otherwise characteristic of Catalonia or Catalan culture.
The oldest Catalan symbol is the coat of arms of Catalonia, which was the royal arms of the Crown of Aragon, though a number of theories trace its origin to even older times. It is one of the oldest coats of arms in Europe. Owing to a common history and shared experiences, some of the traditional Catalan symbols overlap with those of Aragon, Valencia and the Balearic Islands. This is often cause of controversies regarding differing perceptions of the culture, the history and the language issues surrounding the former Crown of Aragon and the culturally Catalan lands.
Catalonia's national symbols as defined in the Statute of Autonomy of Catalonia are the flag, Catalonia's day, and the anthem. These symbols have often a political and revindicative significance. Other symbols may not have official status, for different reasons, but are likewise recognised at a national or international level.

Historical

The Catalan constitutions were the legislation of the Principality of Catalonia promulgated by the monarch as Count of Barcelona and approved by the Catalan Courts. The first ones were promulgated in 1283, the last ones in 1706. They had pre-eminence over the other legal rules and could only be revoked by the Courts themselves.
Those of public law were abolished by the Nueva Planta Decree of 1716, however, the ones of private and civil law survived until present day, being codified and modernized in the Civil Code of Catalonia, one of the main differential elements of Catalan society.
The Catalan Courts were the policymaking and parliamentary body of the Principality of Catalonia from the 13th to the 18th century. Composed by the king and the three estates of the realm, the Courts was a regulatory body, as their decisions had the force of law, being the first parliament of Europe to officially obtain the power to pass legislation. The institution is regarded as the cornestone of Catalan parliamentary tradition.
[Palau de la Generalitat de Catalunya|Generalitat de Catalunya|Palau de la Generalitat] is a historic building located in Barcelona. It hosted the government and the presidency of the Generalitat, the institution of self-government of Catalonia, representing the Catalan historical continuity and the democratic values of modern Catalonia.
The Seal of the Generalitat, based on the coat of arms, it is the official emblem of the Generalitat, the institution of self-government of Catalonia, adopted in 1932, during the Second Spanish Republic.
The Poblet Abbey is a Cistercian monastery, founded in 1151, located at the foot of the Prades Mountains, in the comarca of Conca de Barberà, Tarragona, where the ancient kings of the Crown of Aragon lie buried. Part of the "Cistercian triangle" that helped consolidate power in Catalonia in the 12th century.
The sickle is an agricultural tool particularly associated with the Reapers' War and other Catalan popular uprisings. It is a well-known symbol among the left-wing branch of Catalan independence movement.

Cultural and popular symbols

Catalan language.
A Castell is a human tower built traditionally at festivals in most of Catalonia. At these festivals, several colles castelleres attempt to build and then dismantle a tower's structure. The assembly of a castell is complete once all castellers have climbed into their designated places, and the enxaneta climbs into place at the top and raises one open hand.
The Sardana, considered as the national dance.
Catalan children wearing the traditional outfit, including the red barretina.
Saint George's Day is a popular annual festival dedicated to the patron saint of Catalonia. It is regarded as one of Catalan national holidays and the most important day of the Catalan culture. Books and roses are exchanged, particularly between sweethearts and loved ones, therefore, the festival serves the same romantic purposes that of Saint Valentine's Day in Anglophone countries.
Correfoc is a pyrotechnic show typical of festivals throughout the Catalan Countries. A group of individuals will dress as devils and light up fireworks – fixed on devil's pitchforks. Dancing to the sound of a rhythmic drum group, they set off their fireworks among crowds of spectators. The spectators that participate attempt to get as close as possible to the devils.
The Flame of Canigó is a tradition linked to Midsummer that takes place between June 22 and 23. It begins with the renewal of the fire at the top of Canigó peak during the evening and culminates with the lighting of the bonfires on the Saint John's Eve with the flame carried by volunteers through all of the Catalan Countries.
Tió de Nadal.
Caganer is a figurine depicted in the act of defecation appearing in nativity scenes in Catalonia. The name "Caganer" literally means "pooper". Traditionally, the figurine is depicted as a peasant, wearing the traditional barretina and with his trousers down, showing a bare backside, and defecating.
One of the most famous international symbols of Catalonia is FC Barcelona. The area's footballing branch is supported with a passion by its fans, the culés. Each season Barça engages in one of La Liga's most famous rivalries, El Clàssic against long-time rivals Real Madrid.
USA Perpignan.

Gastronomy

Pa amb tomàquet is considered the quintessential dish of Catalonia. It consists of toasted bread with tomato rubbed over and seasoned with olive oil and salt.
The Calçot is a type of scallion or green onion. A "calçotada" is an annual event in Tarragona celebrating the harvest of Calçot. It is grilled on high fire and eaten after peeling with bare hands by dipping one by one in romesco sauce along with an accompaniment of red wine and bread.
A botifarra is a sausage made from the large intestine of a pig filled with minced and marinated meat from the same animal, seasoned with salt and pepper. Botifarra amb mongetes is perhaps one of the most representative Catalan dish.
Escudella i carn d'olla is a traditional meat and vegetable stew and soup. It is characterized by the use of a pilota, a big meatball spiced with garlic and parsley; it also contains vegetables as celery, cabbage, carrots, etc. and, additionally, bones, botifarra, and other types of meat. In Christmas it included a snail-shaped pasta known as galet.
Crema catalana is a dessert similar to a French crème brûlée. It is made from egg yolks, milk, sugar, cornflour, and aromatics, typically lemon zest, cinnamon, or vanilla, with a crisp caramel crust.
Cava is an iconic sparkling wine mainly produced in the Penedès region. It may be white or rosé.
Porró is a traditional glass wine pitcher, originating in Catalonia. It allows everyone to drink from the same utensil without touching it with their lips. It fosters communal drinking accompanying food. Porrons are most commonly filled with wine.