Catalan Independence Rally

We arrived in Barcelona the night before the National Day of Catalonia holiday. I didn't think much of it apart from wondering if there would be museum or restaurant closures involved. Julia and I did a long city walk and encountered hundreds of people flying the Catalan flag. 

Hundreds of thousands of supporters gather for Catalan independence rally

Many were headed to a very large peaceful demonstration that included all ages. If there is strong opposition to Catalan independence I didn't detect a whiff of it on the streets. I don't think I've seen a Spanish flag here. I did see a persistent surveillance helicopter presence that got on my nerves. I can't imagine what that the demonstrators were thinking but it all went down peacefully.