Flags of Barcelona and Catalunya

By Shanayia Munoz

Portland Community College

There are about 4 to 5 flags you will find all over Barcelona with valued importance. There is the Barcelona city flag that carries the cross of Saint George (Sant Jordi), the patron saint of the city as well as the red and yellow stripes of the Senyera, colors of Catalonian flag.

The other flag is for Catalonia, called the Senyera, which signifies the area as a region. This flag has red and yellow horizontal stripes.

Barcelona's city flag: Cross of St. Jordi 

& the Senyera

The flags Catalans value most would most likely be the flags of independence for Catalonia. These flags are called Esteladar, which basically means starry. This flag has a blue triangle and white star over the coast-of-arms (red and yellow stripes) and represents pro-independence only. The other flag very similar to this one is the yellow triangle with a red star over the coat-of-arms. This flag is for pro-independence and socialists.

Catalonia's Senuyera

Catalonia's Esteledar

You will see many of these flags hanging from balconies all over Barcelona, and even other regions. These flags express the desires of the Catalan-speaking areas to form their own nation, independent from Spain. They have been fighting to keep their language since back in the day when the leader and government of Spain wanted no one to speak Catalan and only Spanish, people would get in serious trouble if caught speaking their native language. Thank goodness it wasn't forgotten like many others, and to this day it is their first language in Catalonia.

FC Barca fans show their colors

The Catalans have also been fighting for ages to try to become an independent country, so the Catalans can create their own laws and finally be their own community without having to attend to a country they don't feel a part of. They do not say they are not Spanish, but they do say they are not part of Spain. This is where the famous “Catalonia is not Spain” phrase comes from.

Catalan Graffiti

I believe the Catalans are tired of having to follow the rules of the Spanish government in Madrid, their rivals in politics and fútbol (soccer). Which brings me to the flag for FC Barça. This flag has the crest with the cross of St George, the Catalan flag, and the team colors. FC Barça is not only a fútbol team but a symbol of Catalan culture as well, that's why you were hear the phrase “Més de un club” (more than a club). During their FC games against Madrid things get very serious between the two teams and fans. This is Catalonia’s time to express to the place that is making them a part of Spain that they want independence. You will see many Catalan flags of independence being waved or worn by the fans of FC Barça.

So you will find these flags hanging from most terraces, windows, and flag posts within the region of Catalonia. I have even bought one because I believe strongly in what they are trying to portray.  

Sources: I used fellow friends that live in Barcelona to help me with the information and some Wikipedia. For the images I used some of my own work and some off of Google.