September 11 is Catelonia’s “Diada”, its national day.br br This year as always dignitaries mark the fallen in past disputes. But today’s battle is with Spain’s central government. br br The President of Catalonia’s government Artur Mas is defying Madrid by threatening to go ahead with a November referendum on independence. Spain’s national government says it is illegal.br br “I seize the opportunity to remind the institution of the (Spanish) state that they still have time to hear the peaceful and democratic clamour of the Catalan people,” said President Artur Mas.br br The issue has divided the autonomous region. Some feel they are and should always be part of Spain while others think Catalonia’s riches in industry, finance and tourism should be theirs to control.br br “I have always been for independence,” said one woman. “To tell you the truth I never consider myself Spanish.”br br While others hold the opposite view: “We are not all in favour of independence, I am from Málaga, my parents are from Andalusia but I am Catalan.” br br Our reporter in Barcelona Cristina Giner remarked that preparations for the National Day celebrations went ahead despite the tensions:br br “There are less than two months before the expected date for the referendum and no one knows whether the ballot boxes will arrive at the polling stations next November 9. Catalonia’s President Artur Mas will have to decide if he is to carry on with the vote even if the Constitutional Court eventually vetoes it.