Monday, August 25
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Barcelona is experiencing growing public anger and protests against mass tourism and its negative impacts, particularly on housing and public spaces, leading some residents to target tourists directly with tactics like water pistols and smoke bombs to draw attention to the issue. Residents are concerned about the displacement of locals by soaring rental prices, overcrowding, and the transformation of neighborhoods into theme parks. In response, the city government is taking steps, including phasing out licensed tourist apartments by 2028 and capping cruise ship arrivals to address these overtourism challenges.
Plaça de Catalunya (Catalonia Square) is a large square in central Barcelona that is generally considered to be both its city center and the place where the old city and the 19th century-built Eixample meet. PThe plaza is especially known for its fountains and statues, the central compass rose (or wind rose) on the pavement, its proximity to some of Barcelona's most popular attractions, and the flocks of pigeons that gather in the center. Some of the city's most important streets and avenues meet at Plaça Catalunya: Passeig de Gràcia, Rambla de Catalunya, La Rambla, and Portal de l'Àngel, in addition to Ronda de Sant Pere, Carrer de Vergara, and Carrer de Pelai. The plaza occupies an area of about 50,000 square meters. The square played a significant part in the Spanish Civil War, in particular as a site of key events of the May Days.
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