Madrid, Jumada I 21, 1438, Feb 18, 2017, SPA -- Hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Barcelona on Saturday to urge the Spanish government to take in more refugees from Syria and other crisis-hit areas, according to dpa. Local authorities estimated the number of demonstrators at 160,000, Europa Press news agency reported. The demonstration was organized by non-governmental group Casa Nostra, Casa Vostra (My House Is Your House) under the slogan: "No more excuses! We're taking them in now!" The organizers asked demonstrators to wear blue clothes and carry blue flags so that the march towards the centre of Barcelona looked like a great wave. Those taking part in the protest argued that Spain and the EU should provide refuge to those fleeing conflict zones and build an integrative society. Spanish media reports say that the government had agreed with the EU to take in 16,000 refugees, but that only 1,000 have so far arrived. -- SPA 23:57 LOCAL TIME 20:57 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w335120