Tradition clash behind Spain’s crisis of identity

To sense the conflicting currents of identity that have led Spain to the edge of a constitutional cliff, look no farther than Girona, some 60 miles northeast of Barcelona.

Maps and world governments say it is in Spain, but many residents consider it part of an independent republic of Catalonia.

Amid the party atmosphere of a festival weekend, many in this secessionist stronghold cheered the Catalan parliament’s declaration of independence from Spain, a country they don’t regard as their own.

“I’ve never felt Spanish in my life,” said graphic designer Anna Faure as Girona celebrated the annual festival of its patron saint with food, music and displays of the gravitydefying sport of human towers known as castells.

Ms Faure said castells was a true Catalan tradition unlike Spanish icons such as bullfighting, which Catalan authorities have tried to ban, or Flamenco from southern Spain.

Many people in this north-eastern region of 7.5 million believe Catalonia’s language, history and cultural traditions set it apart from the rest of Spain.

They often trace their support for independence to the political and legal battle over a 2006 autonomy agreement granting Catalonia the status of a nation within Spain, with tax-raising powers.