Barcelona language controversy has erupted over official t-shirts for this weekend’s Cursa de la Dona women’s race featuring only Spanish text.
The annual event, expected to draw 36,000 participants through Ciutat Vella district on Sunday 16th November, finds itself at the centre of a linguistic dispute.
Barcelona Language Controversy Sparks Political Backlash
The controversy emerged during Wednesday’s official presentation featuring Sports Councillor David Escudé.
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Photographs clearly showed race t-shirts displaying “Carrera de la Mujer” rather than the Catalan “Cursa de les Dones.” This linguistic choice has drawn sharp criticism from political parties and residents alike, particularly given recent municipal efforts to promote Catalan language rights.
Junts per Barcelona and Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya have both voiced strong objections to the Spanish-only branding. Furthermore, Jordi Martí Galbis, president of Junts’ municipal group, questioned the inconsistency on social media, noting recent appointments of a language commissioner and adherence to the National Language Pact.
ERC spokesperson Jordi Castellana emphasised that “events held in Barcelona should be conducted in Catalan.” He referenced the recently established Commission for Monitoring Catalan Usage, stating such situations should not recur. Meanwhile, social media users have joined the criticism, expressing frustration over the perceived marginalisation of Barcelona’s native language.
Municipal sources cited by ACN explained that “Carrera de la Mujer” represents the unified branding for the entire national circuit. They clarified that race organisers, not the council, handle t-shirt production and that all cities receive identical merchandise. However, the council has requested Catalan translations for future Barcelona editions while maintaining they always promote the event as “Cursa de les Dones.”
This incident follows recent reminders from the ombudsman about safeguarding linguistic rights in Barcelona institutions. The timing highlights ongoing tensions between standardized national branding and local language promotion efforts.
The 7.8-kilometre route will circle Ciutat Vella via Passeig Colom, Paral·lel, Carrer Urgell, Gran Via and Passeig de Sant Joan, finishing at Parc de la Ciutadella. Despite the Barcelona language controversy, organisers expect record participation in this celebration of women’s sport and solidarity. Consequently, all eyes will be on whether future editions implement the requested changes to respect Catalan language prominence.
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