Protesters took to the streets in Barcelona and Mallorca on Sunday, June 15, 2025, using water pistols to express their frustrations with overtourism. This colorful demonstration aimed to highlight the challenges residents face as tourism continues to reshape their cities. Activists are calling for a reevaluation of the economic model they believe is contributing to a housing crisis and diluting the local culture.
The protests were part of a wider movement across southern Europe, with thousands gathering in Palma, Mallorca, as well as in other Spanish cities, Venice, and Lisbon. Demonstrators in Mallorca chanted, "Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists," while some in Barcelona aimed their squirt guns at unsuspecting visitors, playfully disrupting their day. Andreu Martínez, a 42-year-old administrative assistant, was among those expressing their discontent. He remarked that Barcelona feels increasingly like a city for tourists rather than its residents.
Martínez shared his personal experience, noting that his rent has surged by over 30% as more apartments are converted into short-term rentals for tourists. He lamented the loss of traditional shops, replaced by businesses catering to visitors, which he believes is pushing locals out of their neighborhoods. "Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming to an end," he said.
In Palma, around 5,000 people joined the protest, many armed with water guns. The playful nature of their protest seemed to amuse some tourists, with one American couple even finding the water blasts refreshing in the warm weather. "That’s lovely," Wanda Dorozenski said, acknowledging the protesters’ feelings about the changes in the city.
The protests also included more serious undertones. In Barcelona, marchers displayed signs with slogans like "One more tourist, one less resident" and "Citizen Self-Defense." They targeted hotels and hostels with stickers and water blasts, expressing their anger over the impact of mass tourism on their communities.
Tensions flared at times, particularly when protesters confronted workers at a large hostel. Some activists set off firecrackers and released pink smoke, leading to a heated exchange with staff members. Despite the playful elements of the protest, the underlying message was clear: many residents feel their homes are being sacrificed for the sake of tourism.
The issue of overtourism is not unique to Spain. Cities worldwide are grappling with the effects of mass tourism and the rise of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. In Spain, the government has begun to take action, ordering Airbnb to remove thousands of rentals that violate local regulations. Authorities are trying to balance public concerns with the economic benefits of tourism, which contributes significantly to the national economy.
As the protests continue, residents like Martínez and teacher Txema Escorsa are determined to make their voices heard. Escorsa has even stopped using Airbnb out of principle, believing it takes away housing from locals. The sentiment among protesters is clear: they want their cities back.