Protests in Barcelona and Mallorca highlighted the frustration of residents over effective overtourism, with activists using water guns against tourists as a symbolic act. They demand changes to an economic model blamed for the housing crisis and the diminishing character of their cities. Thousands participated, chanting against the overwhelming presence of tourists, who in turn reacted lightheartedly. Local residents like Andreu Martinez expressed concerns over surging rents and the changing landscape of neighborhoods, which are becoming tourist-centric and pushing locals out of their homes.
The squirt guns are to bother the tourists a bit. Barcelona has been handed to the tourists. This is a fight to give Barcelona back to its residents.
Our lives, as lifelong residents of Barcelona, are coming to an end. We are being pushed out systematically.
Around 5,000 people gathered in Palma, the capital of Mallorca, with some toting water guns as well and chanting 'Everywhere you look, all you see are tourists.'
Barcelona hosted 15.5 million visitors last year eager to see Antoni Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia basilica and the Las Ramblas promenade.
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