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The 11th of September is Catalonia’s National Day, commemorating the day that Catalan troops were defeated while defending Barcelona in 1714. This day Catalonia stopped being recognised as a nation and lost its self-government. Pre-campaigning for the upcoming elections was present throughout this year’s celebrations. The celebration had 2 institutional milestones: the flower tribute to Rafael Casanova, who was Barcelona’s Head Councilman in 1714, and the institutional ceremony at Ciutadella Park. Besides, many institutional and civil society activities were organised throughout Catalonia, such as concerts, demonstrations and tributes.

Economic crisis is hitting some families unmercifully. 40,000 families that could not pay back their mortgage have lost their homes, according to a study made by the General Workers’ Union (UGT) and a consumers association presented today. A judicial procedure that permits banks and savings banks to survey homes and put them up for auction for 50% of their value is putting thousands of families in the risk of social exclusion.

At the ceremony held Thursday night in Barcelona, U.S. novelist Harlan Coben received the award for the RBA International Prize for Crime Writing for his novel ‘Live Wire’. The new book reflects on the limits of sincerity and forgiveness and is part of his hit series starring his alter ego, private detective Myron Bolitar.

The first edition of Sónar Chicago kicked off yesterday with an inaugural show at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago’s famous Millennium Park. Musicians Jimmy Edgar, The Slew, Kid Koala, Bradien and Faraón opened the 3-day festival with their much-anticipated performances. The festival will continue on Friday and Saturday in the Chicago Cultural Center where the up-and-coming Catalan artist bRUNA will play on Saturday.

GDF Suez announces the selling of its 5.01% share in the Catalan energy company Gas Natural Fenosa. The share represents some 46,176,000 stocks that are worth some 560 million euros at yesterday’s price (12.140 euros).

Prices have risen 0.3% during August compared with July, levelling the annual rate. Tourist industries such as hotels, restaurants, bars and organised trips have contributed to the rise in prices. In July, prices dropped by 0.3% in relation to June.

Several foundations from Catalan-speaking territories have launched a newsletter that will portray opinion articles published in the Catalan press but translated into English. The newsletter ‘Intransit’ will be thematic and issued every 3 months. The initiative aims to better present Catalan views abroad.

The L3 will be extended and pass by Sant Just, Esplugues, Sant Joan d’Espí and Sant Feliu. The construction could start in 2012 or 2013 and the service will not be ready until 2015 or 2016.

Two hundred people got together in London this Wednesday to celebrate in advance the National Day of Catalonia, which is celebrated on the 11th of September. At the event, attendees had indulged in gourmet Catalan products such as cava and participated in other Catalan traditions.

Aragon, the Balearic Islands and the Valencian Community each presented a different appeal before the Court against some articles and dispositions of Catalonia’s main law, the Statute of Autonomy, which was approved in 2006 by a referendum. The magistrates have completely rejected Aragon and the Balearic Islands’ appeals and have “not admitted” the appeal from the Valencian Community.

An olive oil from the Cambrils Agricultural Cooperative has been recognised by France, the United States and Israel for its quality. The cooperative recently received three awards for their ‘Mestral’ olive oil, one of the most valued oils in the DO of Siurana. One of the awards was a result of an Israeli competition where around 189 varieties of olive oil from some 14 countries competed to win this mark of quality.

The Welfare Project of the La Caixa’s Foundation aims to foster social cohesion in neighbourhoods with a high concentration of immigrants in Barcelona, Tortosa and Salt. The project has specified 17 zones throughout Spain that it will work with to develop community intervention models for the next 3 years.

The German airline has announced today the opening of 2 new direct routes from Barcelona’s airport. In addition, Air Berlin has confirmed his aspirations to operate from the new main terminal T1. The airline’s passengers going through Barcelona has grown 14% in the last year.

The Barcelona World Music Festival will kick off the first week of October, bringing a wide offer of renowned music to the city. The festival will feature African music this year, showcasing artists such as Victor Demé, Nino Galissa, Bino Barros, Lokua Kanza and Don Bigg.

Catalonia and Aragon agree to broadcast TV channels from the Catalan Public Broadcaster in La Franja de Ponent. In previous years, watching Catalan TV channels in Aragon was a problem, as the frequencies were used on purpose by other channels to boycott the emissions.