Barcelona’s Anti-Tourism Movement: How a Simple Water Gun Became a Symbol of Resistance Against Overcrowding – Travel And Tour World

In recent years, Barcelona has become a focal point of debate surrounding overtourism and its impact on local communities. While tourism is essential to the city’s economy, it has also led to increasing frustration among residents. In a striking turn of events, a simple children’s water gun has become the emblem of anti-tourism protests that have swept through the Catalan capital. What started as a playful gesture has evolved into a symbol of resistance, drawing both local and international attention.

This unexpected protest method centers on the belief that mass tourism is undermining the quality of life for Barcelona’s residents, driving up housing costs, and turning their city into a “theme park” for visitors. Protesters, often armed with water guns, seek to draw attention to the detrimental effects of unchecked tourism and demand more sustainable practices.

In this feature, we’ll explore how the water gun came to symbolize Barcelona’s anti-tourism movement, the motivations behind these protests, and how they are reshaping the conversation on tourism management.

The Rise of the Anti-Tourism Protests in Barcelona

Barcelona, with its iconic architecture, Mediterranean beaches, and vibrant culture, has long been a magnet for tourists. However, in recent years, the rapid growth of the tourism sector has sparked backlash from residents. As millions flock to the city each year, concerns about overcrowding, rising costs of living, and the erosion of local culture have reached a boiling point.

• Tourism Growth in Barcelona: Barcelona welcomed nearly 30 million visitors in 2023, putting immense strain on local infrastructure and resources.
• Impact on Housing: One of the most pressing issues for locals is the sharp rise in housing prices, as more properties are converted into short-term rentals for tourists, reducing availability for permanent residents.
• Cultural Erosion: Locals are concerned that the city’s unique culture is being diluted, as neighborhoods transform to cater primarily to the tourist market.

The frustration reached a peak in July 2024, when a fringe activist group, Neighborhood Assembly for Tourism Degrowth, organized a rally to draw attention to the issue. What started as a small, informal gathering quickly gained momentum.

The Water Gun’s Role in the Movement

The water gun—once a simple summer toy—became the unexpected weapon of choice for protestors. At first, it was a spontaneous, playful way to beat the summer heat during a protest, but it soon morphed into a powerful visual symbol of discontent.

How Did the Water Gun Become a Symbol?

• Initial Protest (2024): During a summer rally, activists brought water guns as a means of staying cool, but the idea quickly gained traction. Protesters began using the water guns to symbolically “spray” tourists, an act seen as an expression of frustration towards the mass tourism that floods the city.
• Viral Spread: Images of activists pointing water guns at tourists went viral, further amplifying the message of the protest. What had begun as a casual joke among a few individuals turned into a viral symbol for the anti-tourism movement.
• A Growing Movement: By 2025, anti-tourism protests had grown in size and intensity. Hundreds of protesters, armed with water guns, began marching through popular tourist districts in Barcelona, including La Rambla and the area surrounding the Sagrada Familia.

The Message Behind the Water Guns

The act of spraying tourists with water guns is more than just an attention-grabber; it serves as a symbolic gesture against the commodification of the city and the loss of local identity. For many protesters, the water gun represents:

• A Stand Against Over-Tourism: The protests reflect a growing demand for a more sustainable and community-centered approach to tourism in Barcelona.
• A Rejection of the Theme Park Mentality: Locals feel their city is increasingly becoming a place where residents are sidelined in favor of tourists.
• A Call for Change in Policy: Protesters seek to pressure local authorities to take action against the negative impacts of mass tourism, such as restricting short-term rentals and limiting cruise ship arrivals.

How Barcelona’s Residents Feel

Not all residents of Barcelona are on board with the anti-tourism movement, as tourism continues to be a crucial part of the city’s economy. In fact, many local businesses depend on the influx of tourists to thrive. The protests, while gaining attention, remain a minority movement, with only a portion of the population actively participating.

However, the protests highlight deep-seated tensions between the local population and the influx of visitors. For some residents, the water gun protests are seen as a desperate cry for help. They believe their neighborhood is being overwhelmed by tourists, making it difficult to preserve the essence of their community.

The Water Gun’s Symbolism Across Spain

While the protests began in Barcelona, the phenomenon has spread to other popular tourist destinations in Spain, such as Mallorca, Ibiza, and Valencia. The widespread use of water guns in these protests demonstrates that the issue is not confined to one city but is part of a larger movement that spans the country.

Protesters in Mallorca, for example, held a similar rally on June 15, 2025, where they used water guns to spray tourists as part of a larger demonstration against the impacts of tourism on their island’s environment and culture.

The Local Economy vs. Resident Well-Being

While the protests have attracted significant attention, it is important to recognize the complex relationship between tourism and the local economy. Tourism brings in billions of euros annually to Barcelona, with sectors like hospitality, retail, and entertainment benefitting from the constant influx of visitors.

• Economic Dependence: According to the Catalan Tourism Agency, tourism accounts for approximately 12% of Barcelona’s GDP, making it a vital economic pillar.
• Job Creation: The tourism sector provides jobs to thousands of locals, from hotel staff to tour guides, contributing significantly to employment rates.

Despite these benefits, residents are increasingly vocal about the negative effects of unchecked tourism. They argue that the city is no longer functioning primarily for the benefit of its inhabitants but is instead catering to the whims of visitors.

The Debate Over Tourism Management

The protests have ignited a broader debate over how cities like Barcelona can balance the benefits of tourism with the needs of their residents. Solutions are being considered at both the local and national levels, including:

• Tourist Caps: Limiting the number of tourists allowed in certain areas during peak seasons.
• Sustainable Tourism Initiatives: Promoting longer stays rather than short-term visits and encouraging off-season tourism to reduce overcrowding.
• Regulation of Short-Term Rentals: Stricter regulations on platforms like Airbnb to curb the conversion of residential properties into vacation rentals.

Authorities have responded to the protests by increasing police presence during demonstrations, but they have also acknowledged the need for reform in the tourism sector.

Can the Water Gun Protest Change the Status Quo?

While the water gun protests may seem playful or even trivial to some, they have undeniably sparked important conversations about the future of tourism in Barcelona and other cities worldwide. The movement is still in its early stages, but its viral nature and growing support suggest that it could influence long-term policy changes.

• Public Awareness: The protests have succeeded in raising awareness about the pressures faced by local communities due to mass tourism.
• A New Type of Protest: The use of a seemingly innocuous object like a water gun as a protest tool has turned the issue of overtourism into a more accessible and relatable topic for the public.

Conclusion: The Future of Anti-Tourism Protests in Barcelona

The humble water gun, once a summer plaything, has become a powerful symbol of resistance in Barcelona’s ongoing battle with overtourism. Whether it will lead to lasting change remains to be seen, but the protests have brought critical issues to the forefront. As the tourism industry continues to grow, finding a balance between attracting visitors and preserving the well-being of local residents will be essential. The water gun may be just the beginning of a larger movement calling for a more sustainable and responsible approach to global tourism.

By focusing on these pressing issues, Barcelona is starting a conversation that will likely influence other tourist hotspots around the world. It is a movement that asks, What kind of cities do we want to live in?