But the question Catalonia is facing is whether or not its quest for independence is more than just a game and it is indeed capable of becoming a viable state.

Local nationalists have staged several unofficial independence polls across some parts of Catalonia.

Each one has resulted in an overwhelming “yes” vote, though with small turn-outs. But the national government in Madrid has dismissed the results.

“If people vote for independence, we will get independence,” says Alfons Lopez Tena, a referendum organizer. “We are fighting peacefully for democracy to make sure that the people's will can overcome the obstacles of the Spanish government.”

Spanish laws passed four years ago already give Catalonia's local parliament the power to raise taxes, along with other responsibilities. Opponents of the law are challenging it in Spain's Supreme Court, saying it goes too far.

But some Catalonians take a radically different view.

“We contribute billions of Euros to the government in Spain, we want to manage our own economy,” says a Catalan resident. “And without them we'd manage it better.”

However, while it is the separatists who seem to speak loudest, the Catalan desire for full independence is not clear-cut. Official surveys suggest that in fact no more than one in five Catalans support it.

The economic justification for splitting from Spain is also being questioned.

“Whenever people speak about Catalonia they mention its economic wealth. But the economic and social cost of setting up independent institutions would be formidable. For example, Catalonia doesn't have its own judicial system or army,” says Montserrat Nebrera, Professor of Constitutional Law and Politicians

Independence for any Spanish region is not possible without major changes to the country's constitution, and Madrid remains staunchly opposed to separatism. Thus, it appears that despite vehement calls, any redrawing of maps may take a long time to achieve.