This is the first such gathering, following last year's failed independence bid.

The demonstrators wore red shirts and carried the Catalonia flag.

Regional President Quim Torra and his predecessor Carles Puigdemont had urged the supporters to join the move.

Carles Puigdemont, Catalonia's former President, had urged people to join the rally. Image: Carles Puigdemont/Twitter

Puigdemont presently lives in Belgium, where he fled following last year's unsuccessful independence drive.

The Diada holiday, which took place on Tuesday, marks the day Barcelona fell to the soldiers of King Philip V in 1714.

Catalonia had unilaterally declared independence on Oct 27 last year, however, the move was deemed illegal by Spain, who imposed a direct rule.

Madrid has also detained several Catalan leaders, who are presently awaiting trial.

Image: Google Images