Catalonia Independence

A social conflict in pictures.
Barcelona, Spain. 27 October, 2017: A Catalan separatist holds a scarf as he celebrates the parliaments independence vote in front of the 'Generalitat' shouting slogans

Barcelona, Spain. 27 October, 2017: A Catalan separatist holds a scarf as he celebrates the parliaments independence vote in front of the 'Generalitat' shouting slogans

Barcelona, Spain. 29 October, 2017: An anti-separatist Catalan shouts slogans as he protests for the indivisibility Spain's two days after the Catalan parliament has voted and the Spanish central government triggered article 155 to take control over the region

Barcelona, Spain. 29 October, 2017: An anti-separatist Catalan shouts slogans as he protests for the indivisibility Spain's two days after the Catalan parliament has voted and the Spanish central government triggered article 155 to take control over the region

October 3, 2017 - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain - Thousands of Catalan pro-independence activists shout slogans as they march through Barcelona during a general strike in defense of rights and freedoms after police violence during the secession referendum at October 1st. Spain's Central Government denies that there have been a referendum and does not accept the result as the Catalan referendum law had been suspended by Spain's constitutional court

October 3, 2017 - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain - Thousands of Catalan pro-independence activists shout slogans as they march through Barcelona during a general strike in defense of rights and freedoms after police violence during the secession referendum at October 1st. Spain's Central Government denies that there have been a referendum and does not accept the result as the Catalan referendum law had been suspended by Spain's constitutional court

October 10, 2017 - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain - Catalan pro-independence farmers from the surrounding rural areas gather in Barcelona in support of the proclamation of a Republic in the Catalan Parliament after a secession referendum at October 1st. Spain's Central Government denies that there have been a referendum and does not accept the result as the Catalan referendum law had been suspended by Spain's constitutional court

October 10, 2017 - Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain - Catalan pro-independence farmers from the surrounding rural areas gather in Barcelona in support of the proclamation of a Republic in the Catalan Parliament after a secession referendum at October 1st. Spain's Central Government denies that there have been a referendum and does not accept the result as the Catalan referendum law had been suspended by Spain's constitutional court

The 'Miquelets de Catalunya' (irregular Catalan and Valencian mountain light troops in the 17th and 18th centuries) march in their traditional uniforms through the city of Barcelona on the 'Diada' 2015, Catalonia's national day

The 'Miquelets de Catalunya' (irregular Catalan and Valencian mountain light troops in the 17th and 18th centuries) march in their traditional uniforms through the city of Barcelona on the 'Diada' 2015, Catalonia's national day

Barcelona, Spain. 28 September, 2017: Thousands of Catalan pro-independence students with a giant 'Estelada' flag shout slogans as they march through Barcelona in support of the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 28 September, 2017: Thousands of Catalan pro-independence students with a giant 'Estelada' flag shout slogans as they march through Barcelona in support of the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 29 October, 2017: Anti-separatist Catalans march with a giant Catalan flag through the city of Barcelona as they protest for the indivisibility Spain's two days after the Catalan parliament has voted and the Spanish central government triggered article 155 to take control over the region

Barcelona, Spain. 29 October, 2017: Anti-separatist Catalans march with a giant Catalan flag through the city of Barcelona as they protest for the indivisibility Spain's two days after the Catalan parliament has voted and the Spanish central government triggered article 155 to take control over the region

Barcelona, Spain. 30 September, 2017: Thousands of anti-independence demonstrators shout 'this is our police' as they pass a National Police station on their walk through the city of Barcelona in protest for the unity of Spain on the eve of a planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 30 September, 2017: Thousands of anti-independence demonstrators shout 'this is our police' as they pass a National Police station on their walk through the city of Barcelona in protest for the unity of Spain on the eve of a planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Anti-independence demonstrators with their placards shout slogans under a giant Spanish flag in front of the Generalitat in Barcelona against a hypothetical independence of Catalonia from Spain

Anti-independence demonstrators with their placards shout slogans under a giant Spanish flag in front of the Generalitat in Barcelona against a hypothetical independence of Catalonia from Spain

Barcelona, Spain. 12th October, 2016: Anti-separatist Catalans march with a giant Spanish-Catalan banner through the city of Barcelona as they protest against the unilateral disconnection plan of the pro-separatist Catalan Government on Spain's National Day

Barcelona, Spain. 12th October, 2016: Anti-separatist Catalans march with a giant Spanish-Catalan banner through the city of Barcelona as they protest against the unilateral disconnection plan of the pro-separatist Catalan Government on Spain's National Day

Barcelona, Spain. 24th September, 2016: Pro-independence supporters hang a giant 'estelada' flag on the facade of a building facing the St Jaume Place demanding 'freedom' during the local 'Castellers' day at the Merce 2016

Barcelona, Spain. 24th September, 2016: Pro-independence supporters hang a giant 'estelada' flag on the facade of a building facing the St Jaume Place demanding 'freedom' during the local 'Castellers' day at the Merce 2016

Barcelona, Spain. 20 September, 2017: Catalan separatists wave 'Estelada' flags and placards as they protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the CourtsCatalan separatists shout slogans as they protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 20 September, 2017: Catalan separatists wave 'Estelada' flags and placards as they protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the CourtsCatalan separatists shout slogans as they protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 20 September, 2017: Catalan separatists hold their papers calling for a vote (no matter what) in the referendum as they protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 20 September, 2017: Catalan separatists hold their papers calling for a vote (no matter what) in the referendum as they protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 20 September, 2017: Catalan separatists with their placard reading 'we can call it already dictatorship' protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 20 September, 2017: Catalan separatists with their placard reading 'we can call it already dictatorship' protest in front of the Catalan Economy Ministry as police officers search offices and arrests 12 senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 11 September, 2017: The 'Miquelets of Barcelona', historic dressed soldiers, salute in front of the 'Fosser de Moreres' monument on the 'Diada' (Catalan National Day) in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain. 11 September, 2017: The 'Miquelets of Barcelona', historic dressed soldiers, salute in front of the 'Fosser de Moreres' monument on the 'Diada' (Catalan National Day) in Barcelona

Anti-separatist Catalans shout slogans as they march through the city of Barcelona as they protest for the indivisibility Spain's two days after a suspended independence declared by the pro-separatist Catalan Government

Anti-separatist Catalans shout slogans as they march through the city of Barcelona as they protest for the indivisibility Spain's two days after a suspended independence declared by the pro-separatist Catalan Government

October 12th, 2017. Barcelona, Spain: Anti-separatist Catalans shout slogans as they march through the city of Barcelona as they protest for the indivisibility Spain's two days after a suspended independence declared by the pro-separatist Catalan Government

October 12th, 2017. Barcelona, Spain: Anti-separatist Catalans shout slogans as they march through the city of Barcelona as they protest for the indivisibility Spain's two days after a suspended independence declared by the pro-separatist Catalan Government

Barcelona, Spain. 12th October, 2016: Girls with Spanish colors painted on their face shout slogans during the celebration of Spain's National Day in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain. 12th October, 2016: Girls with Spanish colors painted on their face shout slogans during the celebration of Spain's National Day in Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain. 2 November, 2017: Catalan separatists with their placards demanding 'freedom for the political prisoners' shout slogans as they protest in support of 8 members of the former Catalan government are remanded in custody after their appearance at court to declare over rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds in relation with a banned referendum on secession and the independence vote at the Catalan Parliament. The Spanish central government has triggered article 155 to take control over the region after the Catalan parliament has voted the independence of Catalonia in form of a republic

Barcelona, Spain. 2 November, 2017: Catalan separatists with their placards demanding 'freedom for the political prisoners' shout slogans as they protest in support of 8 members of the former Catalan government are remanded in custody after their appearance at court to declare over rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds in relation with a banned referendum on secession and the independence vote at the Catalan Parliament. The Spanish central government has triggered article 155 to take control over the region after the Catalan parliament has voted the independence of Catalonia in form of a republic

December 6th, 2015. Barcelona, Spain: A demonstrator give kisses to someone on a balcony decorated with an independence flag as she protests for the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation and against a hypothetical independence of Catalonia on the Spanish constitution day.

December 6th, 2015. Barcelona, Spain: A demonstrator give kisses to someone on a balcony decorated with an independence flag as she protests for the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation and against a hypothetical independence of Catalonia on the Spanish constitution day.

Barcelona, Spain. 6 December, 2016: A demonstrator raises his Spanish flag while he sings the anthem during a protest for the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation and against a hypothetical independence of Catalonia on the Spanish constitution day.

Barcelona, Spain. 6 December, 2016: A demonstrator raises his Spanish flag while he sings the anthem during a protest for the indissoluble unity of the Spanish nation and against a hypothetical independence of Catalonia on the Spanish constitution day.

Barcelona, Spain. September 11th, 2013: A photo of Juan Carlos burns up-side-down at the end of a demonstration on Catalonia's national day

Barcelona, Spain. September 11th, 2013: A photo of Juan Carlos burns up-side-down at the end of a demonstration on Catalonia's national day

Demonstrators against Catalan independence tendencies enjoy running under a giant half Spanish half Catalan flag during a manifestation on columbus day at Catalonia square in Barcelona

Demonstrators against Catalan independence tendencies enjoy running under a giant half Spanish half Catalan flag during a manifestation on columbus day at Catalonia square in Barcelona

A young child waves the "Estelada" flag standing on the shoulders of her father during a pro-independence act organized by 'Omnium Cultural' and the 'ANC' at Barcelona's Catalonia Square

A young child waves the "Estelada" flag standing on the shoulders of her father during a pro-independence act organized by 'Omnium Cultural' and the 'ANC' at Barcelona's Catalonia Square

Barcelona, Spain. 19 October, 2014: 'We'll be free' can be read among tens of thousands of pro-independence protestors during a pro-independence act organized by 'Omnium Cultural' and the 'ANC' at Barcelona's Catalonia Square

Barcelona, Spain. 19 October, 2014: 'We'll be free' can be read among tens of thousands of pro-independence protestors during a pro-independence act organized by 'Omnium Cultural' and the 'ANC' at Barcelona's Catalonia Square

Barcelona, Spain. 21 September, 2017: Thousands of Catalan separatists shout slogans as they protest in front of the Catalan High Court for the release of the remaining arrested senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 21 September, 2017: Thousands of Catalan separatists shout slogans as they protest in front of the Catalan High Court for the release of the remaining arrested senior officials in run-up to planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 29 September, 2017: Catalan pro-independence farmers from the surrounding rural area build enter the city of Barcelona in support of the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 29 September, 2017: Catalan pro-independence farmers from the surrounding rural area build enter the city of Barcelona in support of the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 18 November, 2015: Barcelona, Spain. 18 November, 2015: Anti-separatist Catalans gather in Barcelona's Plaza de Sant Jaume waving Spanish and Catalan flags to demonstrate against a hypothetical independence from Spain and for the full compliance with the constitution.

Barcelona, Spain. 18 November, 2015: Barcelona, Spain. 18 November, 2015: Anti-separatist Catalans gather in Barcelona's Plaza de Sant Jaume waving Spanish and Catalan flags to demonstrate against a hypothetical independence from Spain and for the full compliance with the constitution.

Barcelona, Spain. 28 May, 2016: Barcelona, Spain. 28 May, 2016: A veteran of the Spanish Legionaries protests against Barcelona's Mayoress Colau and a hypothetical independence of Catalonia while he marches with more than thousand on the Spanish Armed Forces Day through Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain. 28 May, 2016: Barcelona, Spain. 28 May, 2016: A veteran of the Spanish Legionaries protests against Barcelona's Mayoress Colau and a hypothetical independence of Catalonia while he marches with more than thousand on the Spanish Armed Forces Day through Barcelona

Barcelona, Spain. 28 September, 2017: Catalan pro-independence students with their ballot papers shout slogans as they gather in front of the historic building of the University of Barcelona in support of the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 28 September, 2017: Catalan pro-independence students with their ballot papers shout slogans as they gather in front of the historic building of the University of Barcelona in support of the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 6 February, 2017: A young Catalan pro-indepence demonstrator shouting slogans is seen among waving 'estelada' flags in front of the regional High Court during a demonstration in support of Catalan ex-president Artur Mas at the first day of his trial over his role in 2014's symbolic independence referendum

Barcelona, Spain. 6 February, 2017: A young Catalan pro-indepence demonstrator shouting slogans is seen among waving 'estelada' flags in front of the regional High Court during a demonstration in support of Catalan ex-president Artur Mas at the first day of his trial over his role in 2014's symbolic independence referendum

Barcelona, Spain. 10 September, 2017: A Catalan 'Miquelet' in his historic costume takes part in a pro-independence torch procession through Barcelona's "El Borne" quarter on Catalonia's National Day eve

Barcelona, Spain. 10 September, 2017: A Catalan 'Miquelet' in his historic costume takes part in a pro-independence torch procession through Barcelona's "El Borne" quarter on Catalonia's National Day eve

Barcelona, Spain. 30 September, 2017: A 'Goodbye Spain' painting including the swastika for the 's' is seen a day before the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

Barcelona, Spain. 30 September, 2017: A 'Goodbye Spain' painting including the swastika for the 's' is seen a day before the planned secession referendum at October1st. Spain's constitutional court has suspended the Catalan referendum law after the Central Government has challenged it in the Courts

About me

Matthias Oesterle

Matthias Oesterle

Matthias Oesterle is a German photographer based between Barcelona and Menorca.

He began working in documentary photography in 2011 while covering the 15-M protests in Barcelona. Since then, his work has developed toward long-term documentation of social and cultural life across Spain.

Before focusing on photography, he spent nearly two decades in visual communication, including work as an On-Air designer for Germany’s largest private television news network and later as Art Director at a leading Spanish advertising agency. This background continues to inform his structured approach to composition and colour.

Working predominantly with short focal lengths, he seeks proximity and immersion, aiming to document events from within rather than from a distance.

In recent years his work has increasingly centred on traditions, rituals and popular festivals — particularly correfocs, casteller performances and regional celebrations across Spain. His interest lies in how these collective practices express identity, continuity and community life in contemporary society.

His photographs have been published internationally in media including The Guardian, National Geographic, Le Monde, EL País, The Wall Street Journal, and other

He continues to work on long-term photographic projects documenting cultural traditions and public rituals across Spain.