The 2017 Catalan independence referendum was a vote held on October 1, 2017, in the Catalonia region of Spain. The referendum aimed to determine whether Catalonia should become an independent state. Despite being declared illegal by the Spanish government and the Constitutional Court, many Catalans participated, with a reported majority favoring independence. The referendum was marked by significant tensions, including police actions to prevent voting and protests from both supporters and opponents of independence. The event intensified the ongoing debate about Catalonia's status within Spain and raised questions about regional autonomy and national identity.