Catalan separatists rally in Barcelona to celebrate national day Divided after their failed 2017 secession bid, Catalan separatists rally in Barcelona in a test of strength before a Spanish court rules on the fate of those who led the independence push. September 11 is Catalonia's national day, marking the fall of Barcelona to Spain in 1714. Known as the "Diada", it has always been widely observed, but since 2012 Catalan separatists have used the occasion to hold massive rallies that have drawn up to a million people. Catalan President Quim Torra, who attended the rally, says 'our objective for the following weeks and following months is the independence of Catalonia'. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES