Regional identity, flags and language politics in Catalonia and the Basque Country

Terms used

• Comunidad de propietarios — The comunidad de propietarios is the owners' association of a building, which sets rules for shared parts such as the facade.
• Estelada — The estelada is the Catalan independence flag: the senyera with a star added.
• Ikurriña — The ikurriña is the red, white and green official flag of the Basque Country.
• Senyera — The senyera is the traditional red-and-yellow striped flag of Catalonia.

Key rules

• Independence: Do not start conversations about independence or nationalism, and do not take a side.
• Language: Start in Spanish if unsure, switch if the other person does, and say you are learning.
• Labels: Say Catalan or Basque for the person and Spain for the country, and follow the person's own words.
• Balcony flags: A flag on your own balcony is generally legal, but building rules and town hall rules can limit it.

The short version

Stay neutral, be curious and follow the other person's lead. Most people are relaxed with newcomers. The topics below are personal for some people, so a little care goes a long way.

Flags

The estelada is the flag of the Catalan independence movement. It adds a star to the Catalan striped flag, the senyera. Displaying it signals support for independence. Supporters see pride and self-determination. Opponents of independence often see it as divisive.

The ikurriña is the official flag of the Basque Country. It is red, white and green and dates from the 1890s. It is flown officially and widely, and it is a general symbol of Basque identity, not only of independence. Most people accept it as a regional emblem, though some link it to nationalism.

Both flags are common at football matches and festivals. Do not treat the two as equivalent, and do not comment on them as a political statement.

Hanging a flag at home

Hanging a flag from your own balcony is generally legal in Spain, as freedom of expression. The limits are practical:

• Your building's rules can restrict changes to the facade, and the community of owners (comunidad de propietarios) may object.
• If you rent, check your lease and the building rules first.
• Your town hall may restrict objects hanging over the street, and rules apply to banners during election campaigns.
• Disputes are decided case by case. The community decides first, and judges decide disputes.

As a newcomer, a political flag on your balcony invites attention you probably do not want. Do not mistreat the Spanish flag or its symbols: offensive use can be penalised.

Words and labels

Calling someone "Spanish" is not always offensive. Most people there are Spanish citizens and many accept the word. Some people with a strong Catalan or Basque identity prefer to be called Catalan or Basque.

• Say "Catalan" or "Basque" for the person, "from Catalonia" or "from the Basque Country" for where they live, and "Spain" for the country.
• Never say "Catalonia is not Spain" or "you are not Spanish".
• Use "Spanish" neutrally for national matters, such as Spanish residency.
• Locals usually call the language castellano or español. Either is fine.
• Follow the words the person uses about themselves.

Language choice

Speaking Spanish is not rude in general. Everyone understands it, and it is widely used, especially in cities such as Barcelona and Bilbao.

Catalan is more widely spoken day to day than Basque. Basque is strongest in parts of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia, and weaker in Álava and Navarre.

In practice:

1. Start in Spanish if you are unsure.
2. Switch to the local language if the other person does.
3. Say you are learning. Even greetings are warmly appreciated and help you fit in.

Some people prefer Catalan or Basque on principle. Some situations, such as schooling and public-sector jobs, require the local language. Friction happens but is not usual.

Independence politics

Do not open the subject, especially with people you do not know well, and do not take a side. It is deeply personal and has split families and friendships, particularly since the 2017 Catalan referendum.

If someone asks your view, a neutral reply works:

• "As a foreigner, I prefer not to take sides."

Listen without judging. Do not compare with your own country's situation. Many locals are happy to explain their views, and some discuss it openly, so follow their lead.

The questions people ask most are answered in the FAQ below.

Frequently asked questions

Can I hang a flag from my balcony in Spain?

Yes, hanging a flag from a private balcony is generally legal in Spain, but your building's rules and local ordinances can limit it. The community of owners (comunidad de propietarios) can restrict changes to the facade, and some town halls restrict objects hanging over the street or banners during election campaigns.

Is it rude to speak Spanish instead of Catalan or Basque?

No, speaking Spanish in Catalonia or the Basque Country is not generally considered rude, because everyone there understands it. Start in Spanish if you are unsure, switch if the other person switches, and mention that you are learning. Even a few greetings in the local language are warmly appreciated.

How should I answer if someone asks my view on independence?

Give a neutral reply, such as saying you are still learning the history and would like to hear their perspective. Listen without judging and do not compare with your own country.

Does the ikurriña mean the same as the estelada?

No, the ikurriña is the official flag of the Basque Country and a general symbol of Basque identity, while the estelada signals support for Catalan independence. Both are common at football matches and festivals. Treat both with respect and do not comment on what they mean to the people displaying them.