On Sunday, June 15, 2025, residents in Barcelona and Mallorca expressed their frustration with overtourism by spraying water guns at tourists as part of coordinated protests across southern Europe. The demonstrations aimed to highlight the social and economic impact of mass tourism on local communities, including rising housing costs and the displacement of residents. Similar protests were reported in other Spanish cities and popular tourist destinations such as Venice and Lisbon, underscoring a broader regional movement against the unchecked growth of tourism.
Objectives and Methods of the Demonstrations
The protests in Barcelona and Mallorca were designed to bring public attention to the housing challenges triggered by the surge of tourism-related short-term rentals. Conversion of long-term residential units into tourist accommodations has contributed to a sharp increase in rent prices, causing displacement of local residents and threatening neighborhood stability. Demonstrators in Barcelona engaged in marches through key urban areas, accompanied by the symbolic use of water guns aimed playfully at tourists. This method served both as a light-hearted form of protest and a means to “bother” visitors to increase awareness of locals’ grievances. Andreu Martínez, a participant in the Barcelona protests, emphasized that the local culture and daily life are being undermined by rising rents and the proliferation of shops catering exclusively to tourists rather than the community.
Effects on Local Communities
Barcelona experienced a record 15.5 million visitors in the previous year—nearly nine times the city’s resident population of approximately 1.7 million—which has placed considerable strain on housing availability and urban services. In Palma, Mallorca, the demonstrations attracted about 5,000 residents expressing concern over the increasing difficulty in securing affordable housing and maintaining community cohesion amid tourism expansion. Participants voiced fears that continued growth in the tourist sector will gradually erode their neighborhoods, driving longtime inhabitants out and transforming the character of their cities into transient commercial zones.
Regional Spread of Protest Movements
The demonstrations extended beyond Spain, capturing a broader regional sentiment about overtourism throughout southern Europe. Cities such as Granada, San Sebastián, and Ibiza also saw protests, reflecting shared concerns about sustainable urban management and the preservation of local ways of life. In Venice, Italy, activists organized protests against new hotel developments that contribute to the eviction of residents from historic districts, further highlighting the tension between tourism development and community preservation. These coordinated actions indicate a growing demand among residents across multiple countries for tourism policies that balance economic benefits with protection of urban heritage and housing rights.
Tourist Response to Protests
Tourists targeted by the water gun demonstrations generally reacted with amusement rather than hostility. Many visitors laughed and took the playful protests in stride, recognizing the demonstrators’ intent to raise awareness rather than to cause harm. This relatively lighthearted reception helped maintain a peaceful atmosphere during the events, although the underlying concerns expressed remain a serious and pressing issue for host communities.
Conclusion
The innovative use of water guns in protests against overtourism in Barcelona and Mallorca underscores growing frustration among residents about the social and economic pressures exerted by mass tourism. Part of a wider regional movement throughout southern Europe, these protests aim to provoke dialogue and policy changes in favor of more sustainable tourism development. Maintaining the livability and cultural integrity of cities affected by tourism growth is a key priority for residents seeking to safeguard their communities for the future.
The protests across Barcelona, Mallorca, and other southern European cities highlight a mounting call from local communities to address the challenges brought by overtourism. By drawing attention to issues such as soaring housing costs and the displacement of residents, these demonstrations signal the urgent need for balanced tourism policies that protect urban heritage and ensure sustainable economic benefits. The peaceful and creative nature of the protests reflects residents’ desire for constructive dialogue aimed at preserving the cultural identity and livability of their cities amidst increasing tourist pressure. As tourism continues to play a significant role in the region’s economy, the ongoing movement underscores the importance of adapting development strategies to meet the needs of both visitors and local populations alike.
