Organizers said the rally's goal was to defend Spain's unity and reject "an unprecedented attack in the history of democracy." The mood was festive, with demonstrators waving Spanish, Catalan and European flags and chanting slogans in favor of remaining part of Spain. Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy has dissolved Catalonia's parliament and called a new regional election for Dec. 21. Three weeks ago, the same group organized another mass rally that brought hundreds of thousands onto Barcelona's streets. Members of Spain's central government, including Health Minister Dolors Montserrat, and Enric Millo, who is Madrid's representative in Catalonia, also attended the rally.

Source: ABC News October 29, 2017 07:46 UTC