This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-34219386

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Catalan independence: Thousands to rally in Barcelona Catalan independence rally in Barcelona draws thousands
(about 9 hours later)
Nearly half a million Catalans have registered to take part in a street rally in Barcelona later to show support for independence from Spain. Tens of thousands of Catalans gathered in Barcelona on Friday to show support for independence from Spain.
Organizers had hoped to attract at least 500,000 people using the slogan "Let's start building a new country".
A separatist coalition of parties is leading the polls ahead of Catalonia's regional elections this month.A separatist coalition of parties is leading the polls ahead of Catalonia's regional elections this month.
The Together For Yes campaign says if it wins a majority in the regional assembly it will push through plans for an independent Catalan state.The Together For Yes campaign says if it wins a majority in the regional assembly it will push through plans for an independent Catalan state.
The Spanish government has promised to block any move to break away. But the Spanish government has promised to block any move to break away. Madrid said an unofficial Catalan referendum last November was invalid.
Madrid said an unofficial Catalan referendum last November was invalid. The November poll saw 80% of voters back independence but turnout was just 40%.
The poll saw 80% of voters back independence but turnout was 40%. The Together for Yes group kicked off its campaign late on Thursday night ahead of the rally on Friday, when Catalans celebrate their national day.
The Together for Yes group kicked off its campaign late on Thursday night ahead of the mass rally on Friday.
The coalition comprises political groups from both the left and right, who have come together in the face of continued Madrid government opposition to a referendum.The coalition comprises political groups from both the left and right, who have come together in the face of continued Madrid government opposition to a referendum.
The rally is taking place on La Diada, when Catalans celebrate their national day.
The Spanish government says it will block any unilateral declaration of independence, reports the BBC's Tom Burridge in Barcelona.The Spanish government says it will block any unilateral declaration of independence, reports the BBC's Tom Burridge in Barcelona.
Such a move would be unprecedented in the history of the European Union, our correspondent adds.Such a move would be unprecedented in the history of the European Union, our correspondent adds.