Hundreds of thousands expected to take to Barcelona streets to mark Diada Nacional de Catalunya

Hundreds of thousands of Catalans are expected to fill the streets of Barcelona today for the region’s first commemorative day since its leader declared independence last year and pitched the country into constitutional crisis.

Regional leader Quim Torra has called for a mass rally in support of his bid for a binding referendum on independence.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has stood firm against allowing a vote on secession, or any unilateral attempt by Catalonia to split from Spain.

The call came as today is Diada Nacional de Catalunya, or the Catalan national Day, which marks the fall of Barcelona during the War of the Spanish Succession in 1714.

The day will see floral offerings left at monuments in the city, as well as cultural events held across the region including singing, entertainment and speeches.

The police presence across the region is expected to be high, in anticipation of any forms of unrest caused by either pro-independence or unionist supporters.

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