Tourists in Barcelona are being targeted with water by protesters, but the reason for this action is unclear.

A protestor caused quite a stir when they barricaded the terrace of a popular restaurant, disrupting the peaceful dining experience of tourists in Barcelona. The city, known for its vibrant culture and beautiful beaches, has been facing a growing issue with mass tourism. Fed up with the influx of visitors, locals have taken to the streets in protest, armed with water guns and a strong message: "Go home, tourists!"

The root of these protests lies in the lack of affordable housing for Spanish civilians. With rents skyrocketing in popular tourist areas like Barcelona, many locals are finding it difficult to afford a place to live. In response to this issue, the mayor of Barcelona has pledged to eliminate short-term tourist lettings within the next five years. This drastic move has sparked controversy, but for the protestors, it is a necessary step towards preserving their city's livability.

Barcelona is not the only city in Spain facing anti-tourism protests. In Mallorca, locals recently blocked a popular beach and chanted "tourists go home." This sentiment against "overtourism" has been brewing in Barcelona since 2018, and has led to clashes between riot police and protesters, with chants of "Barcelona is not for sale." Unfortunately, these protests have not been without violence, as one man was handcuffed for punching an officer who had earlier struck him and a woman with a baton.

The issue of "overtourism" is not unique to Spain, as demonstrated by the recent protests in the Greek capital. However, tourism in Spain accounts for roughly 15% of the country's GDP and continues to reach new heights. Despite the economic benefits, thousands of locals took to the streets in Barcelona this past weekend in a march against over-tourism and housing issues. Clad with water guns and signs with messages like "Barcelona is not for sale," the protestors made it clear that they have had enough.

As with any controversial topic, there are critics of these protests who argue that they are short-sighted and counterproductive. But for the protestors, the message is clear: their city is not a money-making machine for short-term rentals and tourist traps. They want their city back, and they want tourists to go home. As resident Isa Miralles stated, "Local shops are closing to make way for stores that do not serve the needs of neighborhoods. People cannot afford their rents." The protestors are determined to fight for their city and their way of life, even if it means disrupting the peace of tourists on their getaway.

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