‘There Will Be Water Guns.’ Major Anti-Tourist Protest Coming to Spain

Tourists heading to Spain should be aware of the risk of mass protests that are expected to break out soon on both the mainland and the islands. Activists have already set a strike date of June 15, 2025. “While the exact form of the demonstration has not yet been decided, it is almost certain that there will be water pistols,” warns The New York Times.

Another round of protests in Spain

Spain has been struggling with the problem of excessive tourism for years, which only deepens the conflict between visitors and residents. Tensions increase especially during the high summer season, when there are more foreign guests than the holiday resorts can accommodate. Another round of anti-tourism protests is planned for Sunday, June 15, 2025, which will focus on the most important tourist resorts in the country - including Lanzarote, Tenerife, Barcelona and Mallorca. The nationwide demonstration is organized by the Southern European Network Against Touristification (SET) and aims to draw attention to the need for sustainable and responsible tourism that reconciles the interests of both travelers and residents. The final number of towns that will take part has not yet been confirmed.

Difficulties are inevitable

Tourists may feel the effects of the protests on June 15, especially in places like hotels and restaurants, where the level of service offered may be significantly different from the standard. “Mark the day on your calendars and bring your raincoats. There will be water pistols,” warns The New York Times, recalling the now famous squirting of tourists with water by locals while eating or sitting in sidewalk cafes. Meanwhile, the Barcelona City Council believes that protests against mass tourism must always go hand in hand with respect for visitors. “It is unacceptable to squirt anyone,” we read. The final form of the protests planned for mid-June remains to be seen.

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