Spain's Anti-Tourism Protests Take the Form of Street Dinners in Mallorca, Valencia and Madrid
In Spain, outdoor communal dinners have emerged as a political response to mass tourism, with notable events taking place in Palma de Mallorca, Valencia, and Madrid. On 19 August, "Sopars a la Llesca" was held in Plaza Mayor, Palma, organized by Brunzit to voice opposition against the influx of tourists. Growing dissatisfaction with foreign visitors has sparked protests in 2025, urging government action. Protesters claim the current economic model prioritizes tourists, leading to increased prices and environmental degradation. Meanwhile, in Valencia, around a hundred locals participated in a large outdoor dinner on 5 September, prompted by restaurateurs' concerns over economic impacts. Additionally, a collective dinner in Madrid on 10 August during the San Lorenzo festival sought to reclaim public space and strengthen community ties.
Key facts
- On 19 August, Plaza Mayor in Palma de Mallorca hosted an outdoor dinner organized by the collective Brunzit
- Brunzit has organized open-air dinners called "Sopars a la Llesca" for a year to protest mass tourism in Mallorca
- Protests against mass tourism began in many Spanish cities in 2025
- In July, restaurateurs and hotel operators near Malvarrosa beach in Valencia complained the dinners cause economic damage
- On 5 September, about a hundred Valencia residents gathered in front of Malvarrosa beach for a shared outdoor dinner
- Valencia's city council clarified after the dinner that these spaces would not be restricted
- On 10 August, during the San Lorenzo festival, Lavapiés associations in Madrid organized a collective dinner against the privatization of public space
- In Mallorca, some residents have moved outside the cities while others have begun living in vans
Entities
Institutions
- Brunzit
- Comune di Valencia
- Associazione del vicinato Cabanyal-Canyamelar
Locations
- Spain
- Mallorca
- Palma di Mallorca
- Plaza Mayor
- Valencia
- Madrid
- Malvarrosa
- Lavapiés