A man shows a symbolic Catalan National

A man shows a symbolic Catalan National Identity Card after casting his vote in a symbolic referendum that organisers hope will be a first step toward eventual independence from Spain for the wealthy northeastern region, on December 13, 2009 in Vilafranca del Penedes. Some 700,000 Catalan residents, or almost 10 percent of its population, in 166 towns and villages were called on to answer the question: "Do you agree that Catalonia becomes a social, democratic and independent state, and member of the European Union?". AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO (Photo credit should read JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)