Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
country, is estimated at $275 billion, accounting for 20% of Spain's GDP. But it suffers a
heavy tax burden ('we pay the penalty for Madrid's mistakes' as citizens would say). Not
surprisingly, talk of independence has rattled not only Spain but the EU. Catalonia is home
to some of the nation's biggest industries, including textiles, car manufacturing and banking,
and its succession could cause much turmoil - and more bailouts - in an already troubled
Europe.
The fervour has only grown in the last few years. In 2013, on the Catalan National Day
(11 September), hundreds of thousands of separatist supporters formed a 400km human
chain across Catalonia. It even passed through the centre of Camp Nou, home stadium of FC
Barça, long a symbol of pride among Catalans. Recent polls indicate 60% of Catalans sup-
port the region becoming a new European state. Madrid, however, has clamped down, with
Spanish judges ruling that a vote on independence is illegal, and in clear violation of the
Spanish constitution. Many financial analysts and outside observers (such as Moody's In-
vestors Service) believe independence is unlikely for Catalonia. Business interests, while
mindful of the heavy tax burden, also don't want to be isolated - as this could lead to an
even greater economic crisis.
Best on Film
All about my Mother
(director Pedro Almodóvar, 1999) One of Almodóvar's best-loved
films is full of plot twists and dark humour, complete with transsexual prostitutes and doe-
eyed nuns.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
(director Woody Allen, 2008) Allen gives Barcelona the
Man-
hattan
treatment, showing a city of startling beauty and neuroticism.
L'Auberge Espagnol
(director Cédric Klapisch, 2002) Warmly told coming-of-age story
about a mishmash of foreign-exchange students thrown together in Barcelona.
Barcelona
(director Whit Stillman, 1994) A sharp and witty romantic comedy about two
Americans living in Barcelona during the end of the Cold War.
Best in Print
Barcelona
(Robert Hughes, 1992) Witty and passionate study of 2000 years of history.
Shadow of the Wind
(Carlos Ruiz Zafón, 2001) Page-turning mystery set in post-civil-war
Barcelona.
