Spanish village disrupts traffic to protest tourist invasion

We've reported several times this year that Spaniards are fed up with tourists. This time, the protesters didn't stop at hanging banners and shouting slogans to deter tourists; they went a step further.

Spain has witnessed many protests related to excessive tourism this year. The slogan "Tourists go home!" appeared on many banners. Residents of a small village in northwestern Spain expressed their dissatisfaction differently.

In the town of O Hio, residents protested the influx of tourists by blocking pedestrian crossings. Walking back and forth on the crosswalks for almost an hour, they caused massive traffic disruptions, exacerbating the problem they were trying to combat. Their method might seem absurd, but the residents stand firm and explain their actions.

"Traffic problems are already common, but this year they have tripled at least," said resident Mercedes Villar to the local newspaper "La Voz de Galicia." "It’s an avalanche of cars that not only pollutes but also affects everyone's lives because they park wherever they want. We have the right to live too," she added. Therefore, the protest aimed to raise awareness and sound the alarm - said another O Hio resident quoted by Euro News. The traffic jam demonstrated what Spaniards feel every day.

"We want people to be civil and understanding and, if they see that there is no parking space, to leave, as we all have to do in any city," added another resident.

Spaniards claim their driveways are often blocked, and traffic accidents are becoming more common. Additionally, residents fear that the situation will cause problems for emergency vehicles such as ambulances or fire trucks. Moreover, they point out the trash that vacationers leave in parking lots.

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