Massive protests for Catalan independence in Barcelona

By Dustin M Braden - 12 Sep '14 13:22PM

With the referendum for Scottish independence is just days away, Catalan separatists held a massive demonstration in Barcelona, pushing for a referendum-style consultation plan scheduled to take place on November.

Catalan region had been demanding independence starting as early as the beginning of the 20th century.

The Guardian reported that 1.8 million people gathered in a "V" shape, representing Catalan words for "vote" and "will." A vote for a referendum on the matter is scheduled for November. It faces stiff opposition from the Spanish government in Madrid.

On social media, especially Twitter, many people shared images of the protest including aerial images.

2 main avenues in #Barcelona packed with people demanding the right to decide #Diada2014 #11S2014 #indyref pic.twitter.com/nXyShnupzG

— 15MBcn_int (@15MBcn_int) September 11, 2014

#1800000fotos #araeslhora #AraDecidimNosaltres #v #VTV3 #11S2014 @assemblea @324cat @LaVanguardia pic.twitter.com/PinZMxJ8MO — AL (@AmadeuL) September 11, 2014

I am from a small country where 1.8 million of people form a human giant flag to get what we want#catalansvote9n pic.twitter.com/Zq6EVxB3Rg — Bruna Girvent (@brunagirvent) September 11, 2014

The bulging masses of demonstrators formed a human mosaic while wearing the yellow and red of the Catalonian flag.

Mai havia viscut res semblant! Simplement inoblidable! #Diada2014 pic.twitter.com/sB67mbb652

— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) September 11, 2014

Some stores displayed merchandise related to the protests on their shelves as shopkeepers hopes to make an unexpected windfall.

Merchandising. #Diada2014 pic.twitter.com/SCnsPZgvj0 — Carmela Ríos (@CarmelaRios) September 10, 2014

Some buldings in the Barcelona skyline were lit with the colors of the Catalan flag, signifying how widespread support for the independence movement has become.