A major demonstration took place in Barcelona on Saturday morning, organized by the ANC (Catalan National Assembly) and the Consell de la República, drawing between 8,000 and 30,000 participants according to different estimates. The protest aimed to highlight the ongoing issues plaguing the Cercanías commuter railway service, which has faced significant operational chaos in recent times. The gathering was marked by fervent slogans advocating for independence and condemning the government's handling of the rail system, with chants such as 'Independencia' and '1 de Octubre, ni olvido ni perdón' resonating throughout the event.

The march commenced at the monument of Rafael Casanova and concluded over an hour later at plaza Sant Jaume, signifying a route that traversed significant areas of the city. Attendees expressed their discontent not only with the rail services but also with broader political issues, reflecting a widespread sentiment among Catalans advocating for independence from Spain. Some participants resorted to burning Spanish flags, demonstrating the passionate and at times divisive nature of the protests, which are linked to deeper historical and political grievances in the region.

This demonstration is the first of two planned events on the same day, indicating the ongoing mobilization and commitment from these pro-independence groups to confront the Catalan government's ineffectiveness in addressing the rail situation. The protests underscore the interconnectedness between transportation issues and political activism in Catalonia, highlighting a growing unrest among citizens who demand both improved services and greater autonomy from the Spanish state.