A young child waves the "Estelada'' flag standing on the shoulders of her father during a pro-independence rally in support of Catalonia's independence referendum planned for November 9, organized by Omnium Cultural and the National Assembly of Catalonia (ACN) at Barcelona's Catalonia Square on Sunday. Photo: IC

Pro-independence Catalans demonstrate in Barcelona Sunday. Opposition parties in Catalonia on October 15 demanded a snap regional election after pressure from Madrid forced leaders to water down plans for a vote on independence from Spain.

Pro-independence Catalans demonstrate with a four-fingered placard, a pro-independence symbol referring to the four red stripes of the Catalan flag. Media estimates put the number in the crowd at more than 100,000, although there was no police confirmation.

Catalans hold a sign reading "We are ready" to support the independence referendum at Catalonia Square in Barcelona on Sunday. Photos: AFP