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Anti-Tourism Sentiment in Spain: Barcelona’s Protest Against Tourism
Explore the rising anti-tourism sentiment in Spain, as Barcelona’s locals protest against the impacts of tourism on the city’s culture and environment.
Anti-Tourism Sentiment in Spain
Over the past few months, certain regions of Spain have witnessed a shift in the way tourists are received, with a decrease in hospitality and an increase in hostility. Graffiti expressing anti-tourism sentiments now adorns many buildings, while tens of thousands of individuals have actively protested against the negative impacts of unsustainable mass tourism.
Barcelona’s Protest Against Tourism
In Barcelona, the frustration of locals regarding housing shortages, overcrowding, and the high cost of living reached a boiling point over the weekend. Residents of the Catalan capital took to the streets armed with water guns, playfully squirting diners enjoying outdoor meals. Approximately 2,800 people participated in the demonstration, although organizers claim the actual number was higher. Protesters carried signs bearing messages such as “tourists go home” and “you are not welcome,” as they playfully soaked families dining at restaurants.
“Spraying someone with water is not violent,” remarked Daniel Pardo Rivacoba, one of the protest leaders. He further added, “It’s probably not nice, but what the population is enduring on a daily basis is far more severe.”