On Sunday, August 25th, the anti-capitalist group Caterva from Manacor, Mallorca, escalated its campaign against the overwhelming presence of tourists by symbolically blocking access to several popular coves, including Cala Morlanda and Cala Varques. This action is part of a broader movement advocating for a sustainable tourism model that prioritizes the well-being of local communities.
Caterva’s protest goes beyond simply blaming tourists for the issue. They argue that while tourists themselves are not the root cause, they are complicit in the larger tourism machinery driven by profit-seeking entities. The group identifies hotel chains, construction companies, and real estate developers as the primary culprits, claiming they are responsible for the negative consequences on the island’s residents.
This latest action follows a similar protest in July when Caterva expressed the growing frustration among Mallorcans over the overcrowding at Cala Varques. During that protest, the group placed symbolic ‘fines’ of 300 euros on the windscreens of cars, many of which were rental vehicles. These fines were a statement against the contribution to what Caterva describes as the “destruction of Mallorca” and the precarious living conditions faced by a million residents due to the island’s dependence on tourism.
In August of the previous year, Caterva took a more subtle approach, posting signs on the beaches of Manacor that warned in English about the dangers of swimming, citing “dangerous jellyfish” as a reason to avoid the water. Interestingly, the warnings were only directed at English speakers, with signs in Catalan indicating that there was no danger. This underscored the group’s message to foreign tourists.
While the police eventually reopened access to the coves, the actions by Caterva have highlighted a growing discontent among locals. The movement against mass tourism is not isolated to Manacor. Since April, Spain has witnessed a series of demonstrations against the overwhelming influx of tourists, with protests becoming particularly prominent in the Balearic and Canary Islands. Activists argue that the current tourism model is unsustainable, leading to environmental degradation and exacerbating housing shortages for locals.
These rallies, which have drawn tens of thousands of participants across Spain, underscore the urgent need for a reassessment of the tourism model that many believe is prioritizing profit over the well-being of local communities. This weekend’s direct action by Caterva serves as a stark reminder of the tensions between local residents and the tourism industry that continues to grow unchecked.
