Riots and mass looting in Barcelona, Spain

Riots erupt in Barcelona as protesters loot shops, set barricades ablaze amid rising living costs

Violent protests erupted in central Barcelona, Spain, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, as young demonstrators clashed with police, looted shops and set barricades ablaze amid growing frustration over living costs.

According to Spanish news agency EFE, dozens of mostly black-clad youths gathered at Plaça de Catalunya following a social media mobilisation under the banner “Instituts Indignats.”

The movement reportedly drew inspiration from recent youth demonstrations in France, highlighting concerns about housing affordability, education and economic hardship.

Protesters hurled stones, fireworks and other objects at officers of the Mossos d’Esquadra, prompting riot police to intervene.

Groups overturned motorcycles, burned rubbish containers, damaged street furniture and smashed shop windows around Ronda Universitat.

Some protesters also looted commercial establishments, forcing nearby businesses, including El Corte Inglés, to close temporarily.

Authorities restricted access to central streets, disrupted public transport services and advised residents and tourists to avoid the affected areas.

Later reports indicated approximately 100 arrests, including minors, following the disturbances.

Catalan President Salvador Illa condemned the violence, stressing that peaceful protest remained a democratic right but destruction and intimidation were unacceptable.

The unrest reflects wider frustration among young Europeans over increasingly expensive living conditions and limited economic opportunities.