Catalonia's parliament voted to declare independence from Spain and proclaim a republic, just as Madrid is poised to impose direct rule on the region to stop it in its tracks.
Pau Barrena | AFP | Getty Images
The Catalan parliament voted Friday to declare independence from Spain in a move that will inevitably increase tensions with Madrid. Catalonians on the streets of Barcelona erupted in celebration upon hearing the news.
The Spanish Senate immediately voted to enact Article 155 of the constitution to dissolve the region's parliament in an effort to keep Catalonia under Spanish rule.
The following are scenes from this historic day.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont casts his vote for independence from Spain at the Generalitat de Catalunya government building.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont casts his vote for independence from Spain at the Catalan Government building Generalitat de Catalunya on October 27, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.
David Ramos | Getty Images
Puigdemont is hugged by Minister of Health Antoni Comin as they react to the news.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont (R) is hugged by Minister of Health Antoni Comín as they react to the news that the Catalan Parliament has voted in favour of independence from Spain at the Catalan Government building Generalitat de Catalunya on October 27, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.
David Ramos | Getty Images
People celebrate after parliament passes the vote of the independence.
People celebrate after the Catalan regional parliament passes the vote of the independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain, October 27, 2017.
Yves Herman | Reuters
Puigdemont addresses Catalan mayors as they celebrate news of the vote.
Catalan President Carles Puigdemont (C, balcony) addresses mayors of Catalonia as they celebrate the news that the Catalan Parliament has voted in favour of independence from Spain at the Catalan Government building Generalitat de Catalunya on October 27, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain.
David Ramos | Getty Images
A Catalan regional police officer stands guard outside the Catalan regional parliament as demonstrators gather in Barcelona.
A Mosso d'Esquadra, Catalan regional police officer, stands guard outside the Cataln regional parliament as demonstrators started to gather in Barcelona, Spain, October 27, 2017.
Yves Herman | Reuters
Spain Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy gestures as he attends a session of the Upper House of Parliament in Madrid. The Senate voted to enact Article 155 of the constitution to keep Catalonia under Spanish rule.
Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, gestures as he attends a session of the Upper House of Parliament in Madrid on October 27, 2017.
Oscar Del Pozo | AFP | Getty Images
People celebrate after the Catalan regional parliament declares independence.
People celebrate after the Catalan regional parliament declares the independence from Spain in Barcelona, Spain, October 27, 2017.
Juan Medina | Reuters
A woman gets emotional after the vote.
A woman celebrates after Catalonia's parliament voted to declare independence from Spain on October 27, 2017 in Barcelona.
Pau Barrena | AFP | Getty Images
People rejoice in Barcelona.
People celebrate after Catalonia's parliament voted to declare independence from Spain in Barcelona on October 27, 2017.
Pau Barrena | AFP | Getty Images