Catalan is a region of Spain. Mainly Barcelona and other surrounding areas from the border of France, along the coast about halfway through the country. They are fighting for independence from Spain. Spain has lashed back in pretty draconian ways which would put a smile on Franco's face. They have blocked voting locations, sent the military police to rip shit up.
Wow, that's horrible. Can't believe they sent in the cops like that. Obviously I'm not up to speed on their history, but I just don't associate this type of thing with Spain!
If this goes down, the Basque region will be next. This is why Spain is fighting so hard against this. They could completely unravel as a nation.
Basques are way more laid back though. Not quite the fervor and nationalism of Catalans, although they do consider themselves Basque first, then Spanish. Lot of crazy Catalonians it seems, they are always fucking protesting shit.
What are their concerns with the Spanish gov? Why do they want independence. And shit, Barcelona is right in the middle of this?
They have always thought of themselves as a country within Spain. They have a different language and culture from Madrid and have the economic power to support themselves. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/does-catalonia-want-independence-spain/
For example, they have banned bullfighting. Which is an integral part of Spanish Culture, but not theirs.
ETA "EH-tuh" who are Basque separatists are credited with killing 829 people. They have supposedly disarmed, but they haven't been way more laid back than Catalans.
Northern Spain Known for Silver. Bet ya this is a reason Spain does not want to let the region go. Besides that, Barcelona that is not Spain, is intolerable.
