Hundreds of buses carrying pro-independence supporters make way to Barcelona for protest

Hundreds of buses from all over are making their way to Catalonia, carrying thousands of pro-independence supporters to take part in Tuesday's march in Barcelona that is expected to fill Diagonal Avenue, one of the city's main roads.

Organizers have said that there are more than 1,500 coaches coming from across Catalonia. 

"As we have had a very tough year, almost a year with prisoners, among them the former president of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC) unfairly imprisoned, and there are many people who want to call for their freedom," said Joaquim Vallés of the ANC, shortly before beginning his journey to the Catalan capital.

"We are also making a big call for the republic, because we understand the only prisoners will be freed is by constituting a Catalan republic," he added.

One year on from the referendum

This year's event is different from previous years, as it will be the first since last autumn's independence bid, which saw a unilateral referendum held on October 1, which was followed by a declaration of independence in Parliament on October 27.

That led to the imposition of direct rule on Catalonia, the firing of the government, the jailing of officials involved in organizing the referendum, while other political leaders avoided arrest by going abroad, where some still remain, including former president, Carles Puigdemont.

Support for those officials who are unable to return or who are awaiting trial is the main focus the march.

Over the weekend, president Quim Torra called on the public to make September 11 this year, "historic."