Hundreds have gathered in Barcelona to pay tribute to the victims of a terrorist attack that killed over a dozen people a year ago. Spain's King Felipe, Queen Letizia, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and other government officials were among those in attendance at ceremonies across the city. Barcelona's mayor praised the city for its resilience, and the tolerance people have displayed over the past year. During the attack, 16 people died and 131 were injured after a member of a terrorist cell drove a van into a crowded tourist area.

The attack came to him. Right here. At his shop on Barcelona's most famous promenade, La Rambla pedestrian walkway. Crowded with tourists now, even more so than a year ago, when an Islamic terrorist drove a rented van straight into people. Jose Moya heard the commotion and turned around to see the van whisk by.

JOSE MOYA SHOP OWNER & WITNESS "I saw people up in the air, either hit by the van or jumping to get out of the way. And the screams, and then the silence because the street was cleared."

He says a little girl somehow was unscathed just outside his shop. But over here, the van crashed into his display stands, and the noise alerted some up ahead to take cover.

Much help was needed. The terrorist, in his van, at high speed, mowed down people for several city blocks along the walkway. Here, 14 died and about 130 were injured.

AL GOODMAN BARCELONA, SPAIN "But Spanish authorities say it could have been much worse. The terrorists were planning large-scale bombing attacks in Barcelona and possibly in France. But their explosives blew up accidentally at a safe house where they were making the bombs. Two terrorists died there."

Other members of the cell then improvised vehicle and knife attacks. They struck first in Barcelona, and hours later, in the seaside resort of Cambrils, where police shot dead five terrorists.

This journalist witnessed the Barcelona attack, then took refuge with others inside this pharmacy. It got worse when officials brought in a lifeless young Australian boy.

MARTA PALENCIA-LEFLER JOURNALIST & WITNESS "What is this? A little boy, dead. All of us sort of being held here. Above all, it's the senselessness of everything, at that moment."

Psychologists treating the victims say the healing takes time.

ELISA MICCIOLA PSYCHOLOGIST "From that moment, many of these people wonder where is a safe place. Many avoid crowded places -- the movies, shopping centers, and concerts. Behind all that - is fear. "

Security has been sharply increased since last year, to prevent future attacks. These new street barriers were not here last year, when the van drove right by.

JOSE MOYA SHOP OWNER & WITNESS "Am I afraid? Maybe not. But anxious, yes. A lot of times, I look behind me, as if something were about to happen."

The Catalan regional government says citizens of 34 countries were killed or injured in the attacks. Many of them won't be here for the first anniversary. But for those who will, the horror and pain is still quite fresh. Al Goodman, CGTN, Barcelona, Spain.