Over 2 million Catalans voted on Sunday , defying decisions by Spain 's highest court . The referendum was called after the Spanish government said it would not allow a vote that could lead to independence for Catalonia. Catalan secessionists have staged massive street demonstrations in recent years . The Spanish government says the constitution does n't allow one region to unilaterally secede .
Over 2 million Catalans voted on Sunday , defying decisions by Spain 's highest court . The result heavily favors independence , but Madrid says symbolic vote was a `` farce '' Catalan secessionists have staged massive street demonstrations in recent years . The Spanish government says the constitution does n't allow one region to unilaterally secede .