Fact Check: On June 15, 2025, protesters in Barcelona, Spain, marched against overtourism, using water guns to express their discontent with the impact of mass tourism on housing and local neighborhoods.

Fact Check: "On June 15, 2025, protesters in Barcelona, Spain, marched against overtourism, using water guns to express their discontent with the impact of mass tourism on housing and local neighborhoods."

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, a protest took place in Barcelona, where demonstrators used water pistols to express their frustration with the effects of mass tourism on local housing and neighborhoods. According to a report by the Associated Press, protesters aimed their squirt guns at tourists while marching through the city, highlighting their discontent with the rising costs of living and the transformation of local businesses due to tourism. Andreu Martínez, a protester, stated, “Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents” (Washington Post). The protest was part of a larger coordinated effort across several cities in southern Europe, including Mallorca, Ibiza, and Venice, to address similar concerns about overtourism (Reuters).

Analysis

The claim that protesters in Barcelona used water guns during a demonstration against overtourism on June 15, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and Washington Post both provide detailed accounts of the event, including quotes from participants and descriptions of the protest's atmosphere. The use of water pistols was intended to symbolize the protesters' grievances against the overwhelming presence of tourists and the resulting impact on local residents' lives.

The sources used in this fact check are reliable, as they come from established news organizations with a track record of accurate reporting. The Associated Press, for instance, is known for its journalistic integrity and thorough fact-checking processes. Additionally, the protest's context aligns with ongoing discussions about the effects of tourism on urban environments, particularly in cities like Barcelona, which has seen a significant increase in tourist numbers over recent years (Sky News).

While some reports mention that the protest included other forms of expression, such as chanting and holding signs, the central theme remained focused on the negative implications of mass tourism, particularly regarding housing affordability and local culture (Time). This multifaceted approach to protest indicates a well-organized movement rather than isolated incidents, further validating the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that on June 15, 2025, protesters in Barcelona marched against overtourism using water guns is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that demonstrators employed water pistols as a form of protest to draw attention to the adverse effects of mass tourism on local housing and community identity. The event was part of a broader movement addressing similar issues across southern Europe, underscoring the significance of the protest in the context of ongoing debates about tourism's impact on urban life.

Sources

1. Protesters against overtourism take to the streets of southern Europe
2. Spaniards packing water guns blame impact of mass tourism for housing crunch
3. Spaniards packing water pistols blame impact of mass tourism for housing
4. Traveling to Europe? Here's What to Expect From Tourism Protests
5. Spaniards Packing Water Pistols Blame Impact of Mass Tourism for Housing
6. Anti-tourism protesters - some armed with water pistols - call for change in Spain, Italy, and Portugal
7. Spaniards packing water guns blame impact of mass tourism for housing
8. Why Protesters Are Squirting Water at Tourists in Barcelona