Protesters in Barcelona and Mallorca took to the streets on June 15, using water guns to target unsuspecting tourists. The coordinated effort by activists aimed to address concerns about overtourism in southern Europe.

While thousands gathered in Mallorca, hundreds more protested in other Spanish cities, Venice, and Lisbon. Demonstrators like Andreu Martínez in Barcelona expressed frustration with the impact of tourism on their communities.

Martínez highlighted the rising rent prices and the displacement of traditional businesses by tourist-oriented establishments. The protests also took place in Palma, Granada, San Sebastián, Ibiza, and Venice, where activists called for a halt to new hotel constructions.

Protesters in Barcelona carried homemade signs and used water guns to make a statement against the negative effects of mass tourism. While some tourists found the act amusing, others expressed concern over the changes in the city's landscape.

Spain, with a record 94 million international visitors in 2024, is grappling with the challenges of mass tourism. The government has taken steps to address the issue, including ordering Airbnb to remove thousands of holiday rentals that violated local regulations.

Barcelona's town hall made a bold move by announcing the elimination of all short-term rental licenses in the city by 2028. Despite opposition from the short-term rental industry, residents like Txema Escorsa continue to advocate for stricter regulations to protect housing availability.