Locals in Spain Protest Overtourism—Spraying Tourists with Water Pistols
On June 15, thousands across southern Europe joined protests against overtourism. In Barcelona and Mallorca, demonstrators symbolically doused unsuspecting tourists with water pistols to draw attention to the mounting impacts of mass tourism.
In Barcelona, about 600 people marched through tourist areas, chanting slogans like “Tourists go home.” Demonstrators used water pistols, smoke bombs, and anti-tourism stickers to highlight concerns over rising living costs, housing shortages, and the transformation of neighborhoods into tourist zones. Many urged action to preserve local communities rather than targeting individual tourists.
On Mallorca, roughly 5,000 residents participated in similar actions, waving slogans such as “Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.” The island, with a population under one million, hosted 15.5 million visitors last year—a surge blamed for skyrocketing rent and displacement of locals.
These protests are part of a coordinated movement spanning multiple European destinations—especially in Spain, Italy, and Portugal—organized by local networks opposing what they term “touristification.” While expressions of discontent were often lighthearted (many tourists laughed after being sprayed), the message was clear: urban life and affordability are increasingly under threat.
In response, authorities are taking action: Barcelona has pledged to ban all short-term tourist rentals by 2028, and Spain recently ordered Airbnb to delist around 66,000 law-breaking listings. These efforts aim to curb the unchecked growth of tourism and protect communities at the heart of the backlash.
The demonstrations mark a turning point—locals are no longer just voicing concerns; they’re taking theatrical action to reclaim their cities.
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