[CSMONITOR] Extreme, neo-fascist groups in Spain are preparing for a show of force during this weekend's nationalist holiday, and Spanish authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation.But experts worry that the real fascist concern in Spain is not from small bad turban groups, but rather from growing public displays of fascist sympathies by a small part of the conservative government's constituency -- and even among elected officials.
"Spain has not been 'de-Francoized,' as Germany has been de-Hitlerized," explains Félix Ortega, a sociology professor and expert in public opinion in the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. "There are still Franco symbols even in my university!"
An alliance of radical right groups -- including violent neo-Nazi ones -- have mobilized to travel from around the country to Barcelona to protest Catalonian nationalism on the October 12 "DÃa de la Hispanidad," or "Hispanic Day," holiday. Authorities said Thursday they plan to prevent violent groups from entering Catalonia.