
Tens of thousands of people are attending rival demonstrations on the streets of Madrid and Barcelona in the wake of an outlawed independence referendum in Catalonia.

Large numbers of pro-unity demonstrators are waving Spanish flags in the Plaza de Colón in the capital, many carrying posters showing their opposition to independence.

In Barcelona, meanwhile, thousands of people dressed in white have gathered under the slogan 'Shall We Talk?' to deliver a message of peace to Spain's politicians.

Some of the protesters calling for dialogue also marched in Madrid, where tensions almost boiled over when a small group of people waving Spanish flags, apparently from the pro-union rally, began shouting at people at the pro-dialogue rally. Police quickly moved in to separate the two groups.

The pro-dialogue marches are being held as a desperate final bid for calm ahead of violent protests planned for tomorrow.

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Thousands of pro-unity demonstrators have taken to the streets of Madrid in the wake of an outlawed independence referendum in the region of Catalonia

Huge numbers of people are already in the Plaza de Colón in the capital, waving flags and displaying posters against independence

Madrid's central Colon Square was transformed into a sea of Spanish flags as several thousand people joined a 'patriotic' march organised by activists to defend the unity of Spain

Organizers of the rallies had asked people to not bring any flags, neither Spanish nor Catalan, and to wear white clothes. But a separate anti-independence rally is going on in Madrid

A youth walks under a giant Spanish flag in Madrid as thousands of pro-Spanish unity supporters donning Spanish flags have rallied in a central Madrid plaza to protest the Catalan regional government's drive to separate from Spain

The rally comes six days after Catalonia held a referendum on secession that Spain's government warned was illegal and the country's top court had suspended

Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the Plaza de Colón in Madrid to protest against Catalonian independence

Many painted their hands white and released white balloons into the air outside Barcelona's town hall while chanting 'Let's talk', 'We are better than our politicians' and 'Do your jobs', accusing political leaders of failing the public.

In protests called across 50 Spanish cities, thousands gathered dressed in white and carrying banners calling for peace and dialogue between leaders.

'Politicians are supposed to solve our problems, not create them,' Cristina Abasolo, 36, a teacher, told MailOnline.

'We are telling them, if they are not able to bring peace, they should quit and let somebody else take over who can.'

Masses gather for the protest in favour of dialogue in Barcelona today. Those demonstrating were told to wear white and avoid bringing any national or regional flags. But in the distance, a Catalonian flag hangs from a balcony

Thousands of protesters wearing white clothes demand dialogue in front of the Generalitat of Catalonia

A woman is grabbed by riot police near a a polling station for the banned independence referendum in Barcelona

People raise their hands during a protest in favour of dialogue in Sant Jaume square in Barcelona as the Catalonia independence crisis continues

Many in Barcelona painted their hands white and released white balloons into the air outside the city's town hall while chanting 'Let's talk', 'We are better than our politicians' and 'Do your jobs', accusing political leaders of failing the public

A couple kiss during a demonstration in Madrid in favour of dialogue to resolve Catalonia. The marches are being held as a desperate bid to appeal for calm ahead of violent protests planned for tomorrow

A woman holds a white flag with a red heart during a demonstration called by the 'Should we talk?' in Madrid in association for dialogue in Catalonia

Thousands of people dressed in white gather and chant the slogan 'lets talk' outside the Barcelona City Hall. Tension between the central government and the Catalan region have increased after last weekend's independence referendum

Spanish shares and bonds have been hit hard since the political turmoil with fears Spain could be on the brink of a financial crisis should the civil unrest continue. Pictured: Huge crowds in Barcelona

It comes as at least 10 feared far-Right groups confirmed that they would be attending the massive demonstrations planned in central Barcelona tomorrow, heightening concerns that it will descend into widespread civil unrest. Pictured: People calling for dialogue in Barcelona

Left: Cristina Azogue, 34, physical therapist, who said she is 'against all the things that are happening now in Catalonia.' Right: A woman among the crowd in the peace demonstration in Barcelona

Today's pro-peace demonstration was marked for its absence of young people, who have been such a noticeable presence at all the other protests so far

Spanish media are reporting that Catalonian regional president Carles Puigdemont is planning to use his parliamentary appearance on Tuesday to unilaterally declare independence. Pictured: The dialogue demonstration in Barcelona

The Catalan government said its right to choose whether or not they want to be part of Spain must be respected first before talks could proceed. Pictured: A young boy gestures for peace in Barcelona

Catalonia is Spain's most prosperous region, and in the wake of the 2008-2016 financial crisis, support for independence has been growing, but low turnouts have skewed polls. Pictured: The crowd in Barcelona

Spain has declared the referendum illegal and invalid, and while Catalonia is autonomous, it is still a part of the country and must obey its constitution. Pictured: Women at the protest in Barcelona

Right: Miriam, 30, who told MailOnline: 'Today we are coming out without political flags, just asking for both sides to talk to each other.' Left: A woman and child in white clothing take to Barcelona to call for dialogue during the independence crisis

A woman at the protest in favour of dialogue is photographed with a sticker over her mouth reading 'Hablamos?', or 'Let's speak?'

A protester held a handmade white dove at the march for peace in Barcelona earlier today

A woman shows her white painted hands during a demonstration in favour of dialogue in a square in Barcelona, Spain

Dozens of protesters wearing white to symbolize peace were spotted holding up their hands at the demonstration

This passionate elderly woman wore white gloves at the demonstration for peace earlier today in Barcelona

This female protester held up a sign saying 'All we need is talk' at the rally in Barcelona earlier today

It comes as at least 10 feared far-Right groups confirmed that they would be attending the massive demonstrations planned in central Barcelona tomorrow, heightening concerns that it will descend into widespread civil unrest.

This included Falange, the Franco-era Fascist party, and the Democracia Nacional, a far-Right organisation known for its extreme rhetoric and violence.

Today's pro-peace demonstration was marked for its absence of young people, who have been such a noticeable presence at all the other protests so far.

A group of pro-union supporters demonstrate in a square in Sabadell, Calatonia, Spain

Thousands of people gathering during the demonstration called by Denaes (Defense of Spanish Nation) at Colon square, Madrid

Protestors gather holding Spanish flags during a demonstration against the independence movement in Catalonia

The country is braced for a day of protests despite tentative signs that the sides may be seeking to defuse the crisis after Madrid offered a first apology to Catalans injured by police during their outlawed independence vote

A woman shakes hands with a national police officer as others cheered them in Madrid during a pro-union demonstration today

Catalan leaders had threatened to declare independence unilaterally and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vowed to stop them, rejecting calls for mediation in a dispute that has drawn cries of concern even from Barcelona and Real Madrid footballers

Some of the protesters calling for dialogue also marched in Madrid, where tensions almost boiled over when a small group of people waving Spanish flags, apparently from the pro-union rally, began shouting at people at the pro-dialogue rally. Pictured: Peaceful demonstrators in Madrid calling for unity

The demographic in Barcelona's Sant Jaume square comprised mainly middle aged people, families and even the elderly.

'Young people today are more radicalised. They are creating many of the problems,' Monica Diaz, 50, a lawyer who had brought along her six-year-old son, Guillem, told MailOnline. 'It makes you fear for our future.'

Finance analysts Elena Sobreviela, 44, added: 'It's like being in a bad movie when you don't know what's going to happen. Normally you know things can only go so far, but now anything is possible.

Spain's deepest political crisis in decades has raised fears of further unrest in the northeastern region, a tourist-friendly area of 7.5 million people that accounts for a fifth of Spain's economy

Spain is braced for a day full of protests despite tentative signs that the sides may be seeking to defuse the crisis after Madrid offered a first apology to Catalans injured by police during their outlawed independence vote

'The attitude of the Catalan government is very much from the past, it feels like Franco fascism. There is no effort to speak to the other side and lower tensions.

'As for the separatists, they are very emotional. This whole episode is like watching a train crash.'

Protestors have packed out Barcelona's Sant Jaume Square, where the Catalan government has its presidential palace, holding signs saying 'More Negotiation, Less Testosterone!' and 'Talk or Resign!'

The rallies come six days after Catalonia held a referendum on secession that Spain's government warned was illegal and the country's top court had suspended.

But Spanish media are reporting that Catalonian regional president Carles Puigdemont is planning to use his parliamentary appearance on Tuesday to unilaterally declare independence.

'I've come because I feel very Spanish and makes me very sad what's happened,' Rosa Borras, 47, an unemployed secretary who had joined a noisy gathering in central Madrid against independence, said.

Borras, wearing a 'Catalonia, we love you' sticker and surrounded by thousands waving Spanish flags, added: 'I wanted to be here for unity, because I also feel very Catalan. My family lives in Catalonia.'

'Rajoy, you wuss, defend the nation!' chanted as they marched into Colon Square waving Spanish flags as well as one bearing the francoist Black eagle.

WHY DOES CATALONIA WANT INDEPENDENCE... AND HOW CAN THE REGION BREAK AWAY FROM SPAIN? By SARA MALM WHY DOES CATALONIA WANT INDEPENDENCE? Catalonia, home to 7.5 million people, has its own language, culture and traditions, and many who live there see themselves as Catalan, not Spanish. It lost its autonomy in the wake of the Civil War under Francisco Franco, and among other things, the population was banned from speaking Catalan. It regained some autonomy after Franco died in 1975, but for many this was not enough. DO ALL CATALANS WANT INDEPENDENCE? Catalonia is Spain's most prosperous region, and in the wake of the 2008-2016 financial crisis, support for independence has been growing, but low turnouts have skewed polls. An informal referendum in 2014 saw 81 per cent support independence, but just over 40 per cent came out to vote. A 2017 poll by Centre for Opinion Studies found that 49.4 per cent was against independence, and just 41.4 per cent was in favour. The result on Sunday was 90 per cent in favour, but just 42 per cent of eligible voters took part and it is thought most of those who are against independence stayed at home. HOW CAN THEY BECOME INDEPENDENT? The legitimate and recognised way would be a referendum acknowledged by the Spanish government. The Catalan regional government claims Sunday's vote was legitimate and so is expected to declare independence in a vote next week. However, it must be recognised as an independent country and - so far - no country or international body has expressed any support for this. In addition, The EU is standing solidly behind Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and says Catalonia would be expelled from the bloc and the shared euro currency. WHAT CAN SPAIN DO TO STOP IT? Spain has declared the referendum illegal and invalid, and while Catalonia is autonomous, it is still a part of the country and must obey its constitution. The government can invoke the constitution's Article 155, which allows the government to suspend, totally or partially, any region's self-government if it disobeys its constitutional obligations or attacks the general interests of Spain. However if the government does not make an effort to try to appease Catalan separatists - or removes Catalonia's autonomy - it is inevitably going to trigger massive protests and strikes in a time where tensions are already at its highest since the end of Franco's reign, and the Spanish economy is still recovering from it's 'Great Recession'. SO WHAT WILL ACTUALLY HAPPEN NOW? Both sides say they are open to dialogue - but have put up conditions unacceptable to the other. Prime Minister Rajoy had insisted he couldn't discuss a referendum unless the constitution was changed, and invited Catalonia to work on changing it. The Catalan government said its right to choose whether or not they want to be part of Spain must be respected first before talks could proceed. Catalonia now wants the EU to intervene, an unlikely prospect, and calls for international mediation, something Spain is not likely to agree to. Advertisement

'It's reached a turning point and we need to get actively involved in the defence of Spain's values as a nation,' added 52-year-old Joaquin Penas, an off-duty cavalry colonel with a Spanish flag draped round his shoulders.

If Catalonia were to declare independence 'it would be like cutting off an arm,' he told AFP, saying there was 'a lot of concern' about the government's perceived lack of action to resolve the crisis.

'I don't have much confidence in the government. It is not a very proactive government... (Prime Minister Mariano) Rajoy is anything but a leader. To be honest, he's awful.'

In Cibeles Square, hundreds of others people clapped and waved their hands in the air in a crowd which included many families with young children and babies but no flags.

Yurena Diaz, a 36-year-old doctor with her dog Quillo on a lead, said she was demonstrating 'so that there would be dialogue before we lose ourselves, so they they try and sit down and talk.'

'There is a lot more tension and violence. Each time it gets worse. Such violence makes you afraid. It has generated a lot of fear and that's dangerous.'

Rajoy has vowed to block any independence move and has also rejected calls for mediation in a dispute that has drawn cries of concern all over Spain, and even from Barcelona and Real Madrid footballers.

People attend a demonstration in favour of dialogue in a square in Barcelona

A boy in a white shirt gets on his knees while carrying a white flag during the peace demonstration in Barcelona today

Demonstrators shout slogans and hold placards reading 'Do we talk?' during a protest in front of Madrid City Hall under the slogan 'Hablemos' in Spanish, 'Parlem' in Catalan or 'Let's talk' in English

Demonstrators hold a banners reading 'Let's get rid of hate' with an image depicting Rajoy and Puigdemont kissing each other during a protest in front of Madrid City Hall

'There has to be a commitment to dialogue,' Jordi Cuixart, president of one of the grassroots groups driving the separatist movement, said on Catalan radio.

'We will never refuse that. But we... will continue to demand a commitment that the referendum law be fulfilled.'

'This is producing a social rupture in Catalonia and this has to be resolved through dialogue, never via unilateralism,' Jose Manuel Garcia, 61, an economist who attended the protest dressed in white said.

'I'm very worried. This will end badly and everyone will lose (without dialogue).'

Spain is braced for a day full of protests despite tentative signs that the sides may be seeking to defuse the crisis after Madrid offered a first apology to Catalans injured by police during their outlawed independence vote.

Catalan leaders had threatened to declare independence unilaterally and Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy vowed to stop them, rejecting calls for mediation in a dispute that has drawn cries of concern even from Barcelona and Real Madrid footballers.

Spain's deepest political crisis in decades has raised fears of further unrest in the northeastern region, a tourist-friendly area of 7.5 million people that accounts for a fifth of Spain's economy.

Opponents of secession have called for demonstrations around Spain and a major rally in Barcelona on Saturday.

Also today, people who support dialogue to end the crisis plan to gather in a bid to pressure mayors nationwide. The anonymous initiative, which spread across social media, seeks to promote talks using the slogan: 'Spain is better than its leaders'.

A separate demonstration has begun in Barcelona, where protesters are calling for dialogue and unity during the crisis. Pictured: A man holds up a sign saying 'Let's talk'

Also today, people who support dialogue to end the crisis are gathering in a bid to pressure mayors nationwide. The anonymous initiative, which spread across social media, seeks to promote talks using the slogan: 'Spain is better than its leaders'

'It's the moment to come together to tell [our leaders] that they are incapable and irresponsible,' the group's manifesto reads.

Yesterday saw the first signs the sides may be willing to step back from the brink in a political conflict that risks destabilising Europe.

After days of ill-tempered rhetoric, the central government said it regretted the injuries and suggested Catalonia should hold a regional election to settle the crisis.

Catalan government minister Santi Vila, a close of ally of regional president Carles Puigdemont, meanwhile told broadcaster Rac1 that his side could consider a 'ceasefire' in the dispute, to avoid a further crackdown by Madrid.

He said that he's pushing for 'a new opportunity for dialogue' with Spanish authorities.

A Catalan flag hangs from a balcony as a man watches a demonstration in a square in Barcelona

After days of ill-tempered rhetoric, the central government said it regretted the injuries and suggested Catalonia should hold a regional election to settle the crisis

'We have to give it one more chance, maybe the last chance, and perhaps the only way that can happen is to start with a ceasefire,' Vila said.

'We can all calm down and give ourselves the opportunity to not take any decisions and see what channels we can open up to start a serene dialogue.'

Businesses and the government kept up economic pressure on Catalonia however, with several big companies announcing moves to shift their legal domiciles to other parts of Spain.

La Caixa Banking Foundation, which manages the holding company which controls Caixabank (CABK.MC), said on Saturday it will move its headquarters to Palma de Mallorca for as long as political upheaval in Catalonia continues.

A newly-wed couple smiles as people shout the slogan 'Make love, not war' during a gathering in favour of a dialogue to resolve Catalonia's bid for independence in Malaga

Caixbank said on Friday it has decided to move its registered office to Valencia in light of the situation in Catalonia, which is set to claim independence from the rest of Spain following a disputed independence referendum.

Spanish media say the company that provides water for Barcelona, Agbar, is the latest major company in Catalonia to announce that it's relocating its headquarters due to secession fears.

Europa Press news agency and other Spanish media reports that Agbar's board decided to relocate its headquarters to Madrid temporarily until the political conflict in Catalonia is resolved.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, meanwhile, have discussed the Catalan crisis in a phone call.

Catalan government minister Santi Vila, a close of ally of regional president Carles Puigdemont, meanwhile told broadcaster Rac1 that his side could consider a 'ceasefire' in the dispute, to avoid a further crackdown by Madrid

Businesses and the government kept up economic pressure on Catalonia however, with several big companies announcing moves to shift their legal domiciles to other parts of Spain

The call signals fresh concern over a possible declaration of independence next week by the Catalan regional parliament and the reaction of the Spanish government, which could exacerbate what is already Spain's worst political crisis for decades.

Juncker spoke to Merkel from India on Friday on the sidelines of an EU-India summit. 'They discussed the situation in Spain, among other things,' the EU official said, without adding details.

Concern is growing in EU capitals about the negative impact of the crisis on the Spanish economy, the fourth largest in the euro zone, and on possible spillovers to other economies of the bloc.

European finance ministers, gathering in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday for a regular meeting, could discuss the issue, although it is not formally on the agenda, EU officials said.

Cristina Abasolo (right), 36, a teacher, said: 'We are just asking politicians to do their jobs. They are supposed to solve problems, not to create them.' Left: Miriam, 30, who said: 'Today we are coming out without political flags, just asking for both sides to talk to each other'

The EU Commission has repeatedly urged Catalan and Spanish leaders to find a political solution.

The support given in public statements by EU leaders to Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy is combined with concern expressed in private about how the Spanish government's use of police to prevent Catalans from voting last week in an independence referendum could backfire.

Some EU states are worried that talk of Catalan independence could fuel secessionist feelings in other parts of Europe.

Meanwhile, the biggest cloud hanging over Spain's World Cup candidacy remains how destabilising the political process could be to the harmony of the group.

Caixbank said on Friday it has decided to move its registered office to Valencia in light of the situation in Catalonia, which is set to claim independence from the rest of Spain following a disputed independence referendum. Pictured: A man holds up his hands at the demonstration in Barcelona

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and the European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, meanwhile, have discussed the Catalan crisis in a phone call. Pictured: White balloons float above the Placa Sant Jaume in Barcelona

Gerard Pique was jeered in Alicante on Friday, as he routinely is on Spain duty, for his outspoken defence of Catalonia's right to self-determination, although he has never publicly backed independence.

Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are the other Catalan players who are key parts of Lopetegui's strongest side, but both avoid the political spotlight.

'Many things have happened since our arrival, but we have always tried to take the best decisions thinking about what is best for the team and our common objective,' said Lopetegui, who is now unbeaten in 13 games since replacing Vicente del Bosque after Euro 2016.

'I think it is time to start focusing on positive news in football and in the country because there are very good things.

'It is like when you see a very good painting with a speck of dust and you focus on the speck of dust rather than the painting.

Gerard Pique (pictured) was jeered in Alicante on Friday, as he routinely is on Spain duty, for his outspoken defence of Catalonia's right to self-determination, although he has never publicly backed independence

'I think sport and the behaviour of the boys this week leads the way to show what we are and what we can be as a team. Sport is a good example.'

Pique has long since announced his intention to retire from international football after the World Cup and looks set to continue despite calls from some disgruntled fans and media members for him to step aside after voting in a referendum on independence, deemed illegal by Madrid, and marred by violent clashes last weekend.

'Pique's future with the Spanish flag is unacceptable,' centre-right newspaper El Mundo complained on Saturday.

'He has laughed at Spain and won't go until the throw him out in a strategy of Catalan victimisation.'

Winning his 92nd cap, Pique and Spain captain Sergio Ramos were the only two players Spain players to start on Friday who also won the World Cup final seven years ago.

Bitter rivals at club level with Barcelona and Real Madrid, Pique and Ramos have largely put their regular verbal jibes aside when forming an intimidating partnership as two of the world's best centre-backs for a decade.

Yet, both are now over 30 and with central defence the one area where Spain aren't blessed with strength in depth, keeping Pique and Ramos on good terms is vital to any chance of World Cup glory.