Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past few decades. Once a hidden gem cherished by locals, it now stands as a global tourism hotspot. But this meteoric rise in popularity comes with its own set of drawbacks.
Gentrification: As tourists flood into historic neighborhoods like the Gothic Quarter and El Raval, property prices soar. Longtime residents are pushed out, and traditional businesses give way to souvenir shops and Airbnb rentals.
Crowded Streets: La Rambla, once a charming promenade, now resembles a bustling marketplace. The narrow alleys of Barri Gòtic overflow with selfie sticks and tour groups.
Identity Shift: Barcelona grapples with maintaining its authentic identity. With gentrification and the migration of its neighbours to the periphery, there is also a disconnection of Barcelona from its culture, language and traditions. Many times turned into mere postcard pictures.
Fortunately, there are more and more neighbours and associations that are fighting against this model of city.
