civil unrest in Barcelona?

There is no travel alert to Barcelona from the US State Department
You can check these at
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html

no election, they just think there's one. Not an election but a referendum, except it isn't.

There is an earlier thread that deals with this subject. This has been posted there, but it is worth repeating. It was sent out the 20th of September.

Consulate General of the United States of America
Barcelona, Spain

Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Demonstrations regarding Catalan political situation

The U.S. Consulate General in Barcelona informs U.S. citizens that demonstrations have been taking place today at various locations throughout Barcelona regarding Catalonia’s political situation. Demonstrations might continue in Catalonia throughout the month.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity.

For further information about security in Spain:

· See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Spain’sCountry Specific Information.

· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

· Contact the U.S. Consulate in Barcelona, located at Paseo Reina Elisenda, in the neighborhood of Sarria at + (34) 93 280 2227, 08:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(34) 91-587-2200.

· Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

· Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Thanks, all. This has been helpful and has alleviated some stress for sure.