Locals in Spain's O Hio block crossings to protest tourist influx

We reported several times this year that the Spanish have had enough of tourists. This time, the protesters did not stop at hanging banners and shouting slogans to deter tourists; they went a step further.

Spain has witnessed numerous protests related to excessive tourism this year. The slogan "Tourists go home!" has appeared on many banners. The residents of a small village in northwestern Spain expressed their displeasure in a different way.

In the town of O Hio, residents protested against the number of tourists by blocking pedestrian crossings. Walking back and forth over the crossings almost continuously for an hour, they caused significant traffic disruptions, exacerbating exactly the problem they were trying to combat. Their method may seem absurd, but the residents stand firm and explain their actions.

“Traffic problems are already common, but this year they have increased at least threefold,” said Mercedes Villar, a resident, to the local newspaper "La Voz de Galicia". “There's an avalanche of cars that not only pollutes the environment but also affects everyone's life, as tourists park wherever they want, not where they should,” she added. “The protest aimed to raise awareness and sound an alarm,” said another resident of O Hio, quoted by Euro News. Stopping tourists in a traffic jam demonstrated what the Spaniards experience every day.

“We want people to act courteously and considerately, and if they see there's no parking space, they should leave the town,” added the resident.

Spaniards claim their driveways are often blocked, and traffic accidents are becoming more common. Additionally, residents are concerned that the situation will cause problems for emergency vehicles, such as ambulances or fire trucks. Furthermore, they highlight the litter that holidaymakers leave in parking areas.

Residents of the small seaside town say that while they are generally not opposed to tourism, they want the authorities to find a solution that benefits both sides.

Source: euronews.com