Fact Check: Protesters in Barcelona Used Water Guns Against Tourists
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, protests took place in Barcelona, Spain, where demonstrators used water guns to target tourists as part of a larger movement against mass tourism. The protests were organized to highlight the negative impacts of tourism on local housing and community character. According to The New York Times, protesters carried signs that read "Tourists go home" and "Tourism is stealing from us," and they marched through the city's luxury shopping district, known as the Golden Mile, spraying water at visitors outside high-end stores like Louis Vuitton.
The protests were part of a coordinated effort across southern Europe, with similar actions reported in cities such as Palma, Mallorca, and Lisbon, where activists aimed to draw attention to the housing crisis exacerbated by tourism (NPR). Protesters expressed concerns that the influx of tourists has driven up local rents and transformed neighborhoods, making it difficult for residents to afford housing.
Analysis
The claim that protesters in Barcelona used water guns against tourists on June 15, 2025, is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press reported that the use of water guns was a symbolic gesture aimed at drawing attention to the issues caused by overtourism, including rising housing costs and the erosion of local culture. Protesters like Andreu Martínez articulated their frustrations, stating that Barcelona has been "handed to the tourists," and emphasized the need to reclaim the city for its residents (NPR).
The reliability of the sources is high, as they include major news organizations such as The New York Times, NPR, and the Associated Press, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. These reports provide consistent details about the protests, the use of water guns, and the motivations behind the demonstrations.
However, it is important to note that while the protests were largely peaceful, there were instances of tension, such as scuffles with hostel employees and the setting off of fireworks, which indicate that the protests were not without conflict (The New York Times). This complexity adds depth to the narrative but does not detract from the core claim regarding the use of water guns.
Conclusion
The claim that protesters in Barcelona used water guns against tourists on June 15, 2025, to demand a rethink of the economic model contributing to the housing crisis and erasing the city's character is True. The evidence from multiple reputable sources confirms that this event occurred as described, highlighting the ongoing tensions between local residents and the tourism industry.
Sources
- Anti-Tourism Protests in Italy, Portugal and Spain Draw Attention to ...
- Spaniards turn water pistols on visitors to protest tourism
- Spaniards packing water guns blame mass tourism for housing crunch
- Spaniards take aim at tourism's role in housing crisis — with water guns
- Spaniards Packing Water Pistols Blame Impact of Mass Tourism for ...
