Catalonia braces for disputed vote

Thousands of demonstrators waving "Estelada" flags emblematic of the pro-independence movement gathered in central Barcelona for a final "yes" campaign rally ahead of Sunday's planned vote. "In these hugely intense and hugely emotional moments, we sense that what we once thought was only a dream is within reach," Catalonia's leader, Carles Puigdemont, told the cheering crowd.

Catalans gathered in a hall at Barcelona's Miquel Tarradell high school, one of the designated polling stations, in a bid to prevent police from shutting it down. Referendum organizers said groups of activists, including parents and children, have occupied dozens of similar buildings across the region to make sure voting can go ahead.

Spain's government has vowed to stop the vote and declared it illegal. Thousands of extra police have been deployed to Catalonia with orders to clear out polling stations by Sunday morning. The region's police force has warned of the risk of "disruption of public order" if they try to prevent people from casting ballots.

A court has banned the use of public buildings "for the preparation and organization" of the referendum. Instead, Catalan activists have encouraged people occupying polling stations to get creative. Barcelona's Joan Brossa high school, for instance, advertised it would host film screenings, football matches and Zumba dance fitness classes on Friday and Saturday.

Despite the referendum ban and police deployment, Catalan leaders insist the vote will go ahead. They have set up more than 2,300 polling stations in schools and other buildings, and in recent days have installed plastic ballot boxes and printed millions of voting forms. Snacks and supplies were also distributed to sustain activists who planned to stay through the weekend.

On Friday, Catalan farmers on tractors trundled along Barcelona's boulevards in a show of support for the separatists. The region's main farmers union, Unio de Pagesos, said it planned to fight for "democracy and liberty" and would help to protect polling stations.

Catalan firefighters have also backed the secession campaign, pledging to help keep voting stations open.

The planned vote has stoked tensions among Catalans in Spain's wealthy northeast. Polls show the region is deeply split on the question of independence, although a large majority would like the opportunity to have their say on the matter in a legal referendum.