What are the key dates of Catalan politics on the road to the October 1 referendum?

Catalonia’s Parliament returns from its summer recess on August 16 in what may turn out to be the most unpredictable and unusual term in the country’s recent history. Even the opening day of Parliamentary sessions this Wednesday will be different from the previous 37 years: never had the summer holidays finished so early for the chamber. The reason for the whole exceptional situation is that the Catalan government is determined to celebrate a referendum on independence on October 1 despite Madrid’s steadfast opposition. At least one thing is certain: it’s going to be exciting.