POLITICS
All in a flap
The Estelada symbolises Catalunya ’ s fight for independence – and it can cause controversy
You ’ ll see the Estelada displayed all around Catalunya , hanging from balconies , hoisted at the entrances to towns and draped around the shoulders of Barça fans after a good final score .
It ’ s based on the red and yellow bars of the official Catalan flag , the Senyera , with the addition of a blue or sometimes yellow triangle containing a white star , reminiscent of the Cuban flag .
In spite of the flag ’ s ubiquity it is occasionally banned by the Spanish government in Madrid . In the run-up to the municipal elections in May last year , it was forbidden to display the Estelada on public buildings and polling stations in a bid to maintain neutrality .
And this year , the government tried to prohibit fans from taking Esteladas to the Copa del Rey final between Barcelona and Sevilla . After a brief war of words during which supporters discussed the possibility of filling the stadium with Scottish flags instead , the ban was overturned by a judge , who cited freedom of expression .
10 Ebre Connect , Summer 2016