Catalonia is the only subject of conversation in Malaga this week

Last week, Malaga city hall organised a special council meeting on the subject and an event in support of Spanish unity.

However, besides the tidal wave of political and official statements on all sides, it is the tales of the ordinary people of Catalonia who have chosen to live on the Costa del Sol, and those from Malaga who reside in Catalonia, that recount first hand what people on the street are feeling.

Sara Gili Gatius, a Catalan who lives in Malaga, told SUR: On Sunday I didn't like anything that I saw, neither the excessive police action nor the attitude of those that went to vote. Also from Catalonia but living on the Costa, Xavier Casademont said: I feel a deep sadness. Both Puigdemont and Rajoy are robbing me of half of who I am.

Natives of Malaga who now live in Catalonia have also been sharing their experiences. I had to leave a WhatsApp chat group made up of people from Catalonia and the rest of Spain as the atmosphere was so heated, explained Manme Valverde.

There was also comment on possible solutions. The PP party [governing in Madrid] didn't see that the best solution was a new financial and funding agreement with Catalonia, explained Salvador Barroso, another 'Malagueño' speaking from his Catalonia home.