Catalans

Map of the Catalan Diaspora in the World

Batalla del Puig por Marzal de Sas (1410-20)

Eroberung von Barcelona 1714

Igualada 2013 - Colla Joves de Valls 3de9f

File:WIKITONGUES- Ona speaking Catalan.webm

Catalan folk costume

Catalans are an ethnic group native to Catalonia, a historical and autonomous region in the northeast of Spain, with a presence also in parts of France (mainly in the department of Pyrénées-Orientales, historically known as Northern Catalonia) and Italy (in the town of Alghero in Sardinia). They speak Catalan, a Romance language, which has its own distinct literary tradition and is co-official in Catalonia alongside Spanish.

History

The history of the Catalans is deeply intertwined with the history of Catalonia itself. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the identity of the Catalans as a distinct group began to form in the Middle Ages, with the establishment of the County of Barcelona. Over the centuries, Catalonia experienced periods of prosperity and expansion, notably during the Crown of Aragon era, when Catalan merchants and sailors played a significant role in Mediterranean trade and politics.

In the modern era, Catalonia's push for greater autonomy or independence from Spain has been a central aspect of Catalan identity. The Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and the subsequent dictatorship of Francisco Franco saw the suppression of Catalan culture, language, and autonomy, but the democratic transition after Franco's death led to the restoration of Catalonia's autonomous status and the revival of Catalan identity.

Culture

Catalan culture is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of traditions, festivals, and artistic contributions. The Sardana, a traditional dance, and the construction of human towers, known as castells, are iconic elements of Catalan culture. Catalonia has also produced renowned artists, such as the architect Antoni Gaudí and the painter Salvador Dalí.

Catalan cuisine is another important aspect of the region's culture, known for its combination of seafood, meats, poultry, and vegetables, reflecting the region's geographical diversity. Dishes such as pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato) and crema catalana are traditional Catalan foods.

Language

The Catalan language is central to Catalan identity. It is a Romance language, closely related to Occitan (spoken in southern France) and more distantly to Spanish, French, and Italian. Despite periods of suppression, the language has experienced a revival and is now taught in schools and used in media and politics in Catalonia. The Catalan language also enjoys co-official status in the Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community (where it is called Valencian).

Political Status

The political status of Catalonia has been a contentious issue, with significant portions of the population advocating for greater autonomy or full independence from Spain. The 2017 Catalan independence referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanish government, led to a major political crisis and brought international attention to the Catalan independence movement. The Spanish government's response, which included the imposition of direct rule over Catalonia and the arrest of several pro-independence leaders, further polarized the situation.

Demographics

Catalans are primarily concentrated in the autonomous community of Catalonia in Spain, but there are also significant Catalan-speaking communities in the Balearic Islands, the Valencian Community, and the Pyrénées-Orientales department in France. The global Catalan diaspora has spread Catalan culture and identity to other countries, notably in Latin America and the United States.