25 de Xullo: Galicia Day
July 25th, the Day of Galicia, the Day of Santiago Apostle, or the Day of Galician Country. A day to celebrate, to party, to extol the nation often denied and, above all, to denounce the lack of economic and political sovereignty.
Galicia* is a nation within the Spanish state, like Basque Country and Catalunya. It has its own language and culture, but it is poorly known because of its neglect and disregard by Spanish institutions.
Every year, thousands of people demonstrate to demand the right to self-determination. The right to decide our own way. As usual, Galician nationalism, with its colorful diversity was the spearhead demanding democracy, economic justice and respect for its culture.
From any point of view, it is obvious that emancipatory Galician nationalism had great importance in the survival of the Galicians as a people. Demanding respect for Galician language and culture, defending Galician economy and environment from foreign policies and, in short, defending the Galician people.
When I wonder how Galicia would be without emancipatory nationalism, I cannot imagine the right answer, but I am sure it would be less Galicia. This collection of photographs is a humble tribute and expression of gratitude to people who always fought for economic justice, real democracy, self-determination and for a country called Galiza.
* (Galicia in Spanish, Galiza or Galicia in Galician, although the only official name is Galicia).
This post and slideshow originally appeared on Javier Lopez de Prol’s blog: http://jlprol.wordpress.com/
The article was originally written in English.
Photos: Javier Lopez Prol
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