In a vibrant display of dissent, thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Barcelona, Spain, on Sunday, reigniting their campaign against mass tourism in the heart of southern Europe. The protests resonated through the region, with demonstrations occurring in cities like Genoa, Italy, and Lisbon, Portugal, all aimed at raising awareness about the burdens placed on local residents by an influx of tourists.
In Barcelona, crowds brandished signs that read “Tourists go home” and “Tourism is stealing from us,” marching down the affluent Golden Mile, a street known for its luxury shops. Protesters armed with squirt guns sprayed water on unsuspecting tourists as they passed by famous retail outlets, including a Louis Vuitton store. Tensions escalated when clashes erupted outside a nearby hostel, leading to the setting off of fireworks. A police blockade was eventually implemented to halt the march as it approached the iconic Sagrada Família Basilica.
The wave of protests was inspired by workshops organized by the Southern Europe Network Against Touristification earlier in April, which aimed to activate a dialogue about the adverse effects of overtourism. The recent wave of demonstrations echoed sentiments from last July when squirt guns became a symbol of resistance against the challenges posed by mass tourism.
The campaign is driven by a mix of frustrations: soaring housing costs and environmental degradation attributable to tourism. Joan Mas, a waiter from Barcelona, voiced the sentiment shared by many, stating, “The problem is the tourism model itself: It’s all about serving drinks, about real estate and the hotel industry.” He reflected on the feelings of resentment and alienation that many locals experience as tourists flock in with greater financial resources, exacerbating local struggles in the community.
