The Catalan independence referendum refers to a vote held in Catalonia, a region in northeastern Spain, on October 1, 2017. The referendum aimed to determine whether the people of Catalonia wanted to become an independent state. The Spanish government declared the vote illegal, leading to tensions and protests across the region. Despite the government's opposition, many Catalans participated in the referendum, with a majority voting in favor of independence. However, the turnout was around 43%, and the Spanish government did not recognize the results. This event intensified the ongoing debate about Catalonia's status within Spain.