Generalitat of Catalonia

The events to celebrate National Day of Catalonia, as last year, will take place at the fountain of the Ciutadella so that attendees can have a better view.

The Cobla Mediterrània - which throughout its existence has invested its energy in demonstrating that copla is not a folkloric relic, but a living and unique entity which brings together a whole variety of Mediterranean essences - will accompany the parade by the Mossos d'Esquadra with the solemn march by the composer Josep Serra i Bonal, conducted by Bernat Castillejo.

The Chamber Choir of the Palau de la Música, under the direction of Jordi Casas I Bayer, has been brought onto this celebration's roll of performers to represent everything which the Catalan Orfeó and its incomparable concert hall - the Palau de la Música Catalana - have meant in the development of the extraordinary musical life of Catalonia.

And if our heritage is important, no less should be our tools to build the future: the Symphony Orchestra of the Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (Higher School of Music of Catalonia), under the direction of the conductor Salvador Mas, will be another protagonist in this institutional event.

Traditionally the author's song has always been present at this celebration; this year Lidia Pujol will sing us two versions of traditional Catalan songs with her extraordinary voice.

The event will close with the raising of human towers by the Colla Castellers of Sant Cugat del Vallès.

This year as well, an event will be held at the Catalonia pavilion of the Zaragoza Expo 2008 throughout the whole day, specifically for the Day in Honour of Catalonia. The President of the Generalitat, José Montilla, will be in the exhibition area from 5 p.m., accompanied by a committee of the Catalan Government who will preside over the programme of activities throughout the evening and night.

The main event will take place from 2 a.m. in the Plaza de Aragón of the Expo and will be broadcast live by TV3.

• Programme of the Institutional Event

Wednesday, 10 September

• 6 p.m. The President of the Generalitat will confer the Generalitat's Medalla d'Or to the doctor Moisès Broggi and the actress Montserrat Carulla. The event will take place in the Saló de Sant Jordi of the Palau de la Generalitat.
• 8 p.m. Issuing of the President of the Generalitat's message, to celebrate National Day of Catalonia.
• 8 p.m. Reception held by the Parliament of Catalonia to celebrate the Eleventh of September

Thursday, 11 September

• 9 a.m. Floral offering by the Catalan Government, headed by President Montilla, at the monument of Rafael Casanova.
• 10 a.m. Floral offering at the tomb of Rafael Casanova, at Sant Boi de Llobregat.
• 11.30 a.m. Institutional event at the Parc de la Ciutadella, organised by the Catalan Government and the Parliament of Catalonia.
• 5 p.m. National Day event at Zaragoza.

Palau de la Generalitat

From 10 in the morning till 7 in the evening, there will be open doors at the Palace of the Generalitat and the Parliament of Catalonia, so that citizens who wish to may visit the facilities of the seat of Government and the Catalan chamber. Thanks to TV3's "Nit blanca", Parliament will also open its doors on the morning of 11 September, from midnight until 2 a.m.

11:30h: start of event

• Opening of event with Solemn March by Josep Serra, performed by the Cobla Mediterrània of Sabadell, directed by Bernat Castillejo. This piece will accompany the parade by the formation of the Mossos d'Esquadra.
• Handing over of the Catalan flag by the mayoress of Ripoll, Teresa Jordà, representing Catalonia's town councils.
• Raising of flag while the National Hymn of Catalonia, "Els Segadors", is sung, accompanied by the Symphony Orchestra of ESMUC, conducted by Salvador Mas, and the Chamber Choir of the Palau de la Musica Catalana, conducted by Jordi Casas.
• Performance by ESMUC of "Recordant Vic" (Remembering Vic), by Joaquim Serra, "Sol ixent" (Sun Rising) by Eduard Toldrà and "Juny" (June) by Juli Garreta
• Dramatized reading of fragments of letters and speeches of Mercé Rodoreda, performed by the actress Alba Pujol.
• Lídia Pujol will perform the popular Catalan songs: Amèlia and Caterina de Lió.
• Performance of La Balanguera, by Amadeu Vives (choral version by Salvador Mas and orchestration by Albert Guinovart) by the Chamber Choir of the Palau de la Música Catalana and the ESMUC orchestra.
• Performance of the Song of the Catalan Flag, by Lluís Millet and Joan Maragall, by the ESMUC Symphony Orchestra and the Chamber Choir of the Palau de la Música Catalana.
• Performance by the Colla Castellers of Sant Cugat.

• Cobla Mediterrània de Sabadell (CAT - 22KB)
• Chamber Choir of the Palau de la Música Catalana (CAT - 23KB)
• Lídia Pujol (CAT - 23KB)