Hundreds of thousands of people have rallied in Spain in support of independence for the region of Catalonia.
Demonstrators wave 'Estelada' flags (pro-independence Catalan flags) during celebrations of Catalonia's National Day. Photo: AFP
Barcelona was a sea of red, yellow and blue pro-independence flags on what Catalans celebrate as their national day.
The demonstration was taking place two weeks before regional elections.
Pro-independence campaigners said the poll would be a proxy vote on independence for Catalonia.
Madrid has promised to block any move to break away, and dismissed the result of an unofficial Catalan referendum last year.
- BBC