Catalans protest to demand succession vote, boosted by Scotland referendum

[bemildred]

BARCELONA, Spain — Separatists in northeastern Spain swarmed into Barcelona by the busload Thursday, waving independence flags as they demanded a secession sentiment vote that the Spanish government insists is illegal.

Many sported yellow-and-red shirts with the phrase "Now is the time" and shouted "Independencia!" in Catalan as they joined a mass protest getting a boost from Scotland's upcoming independence vote.

Catalonia regional leader Artur Mas said his government is not wavering from plans to hold a Nov. 9 referendum in the region of 7.6 million people, even though experts say any attempt is sure to be blocked by Spain's Constitutional Court. Mas has repeatedly said he will not call an illegal vote.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Latest-News-Wires/2014/0911/Catalans-protest-to-demand-succession-vote-boosted-by-Scotland-referendum

[DonCoquixote]

1. anyone who did nto see this coming

was looking the other way, and I am of Catalan blood. Catalunyos do not consider themselves Spainards, as their hertiage goes back to Carthage. Even their drink is an ancient Carthagianan cordial.

http://www.licor43usa.com/legend1.php

http://www.licor43.com/

[bemildred]

2. And the Basques. nt

[Cleita]

3. My grandfather too.

He was very nationalistic about his Catalan heritage.