Identity in the Barceloneta Neighborhood
In the Barceloneta neighborhood, many citizens express themselves using their balconies and windows. This is different than the United States because most people have yards through which they can express themselves. However, in Barcelona, especially Barceloneta, citizens do not have this outdoor space, so they turn to their balconies and windows. I especially noticed all of the different flags that people chose to display.
Here are different balconies and flags that I discovered in Barceloneta.
One big topic that is controversial in the Barceloneta neighborhood is tourism. There is an ongoing “duel between those who are tired of tourism and those who see it as an opportunity” (Castán & López, 2015). It is very easy to see what side of the debate people favor - just look at the balcony! And, the locals who are against tourism are very against it. It has been written that “their belligerent banners on the balconies already make it clear that there will be zero tolerance on their part” (Castán, 2015).’ That is something else I noticed: locals will be very expressive and frank in their opinions. And, at times, it can be difficult to interpret if they are just stating how they feel or have been personally offended by something. Sometimes, their tone is more clear.
The tourism debate has led the residents to call upon government agencies to try and find solutions. However, these meetings rarely accommodate all the local residents who wish to attend, so the locals take to the streets. França reported that “During the demonstrations there are already neighbors who shout "Get out! Get out!" tourists who watch from the balconies . . . ” (2014). This is just another way that the balconies tie into people expressing their identities.
During such demonstrations, the tourists may not feel like they can leave their flats, so it, with its balcony, might be their only ‘safe place.’ That is - until locals become angered and start causing a scene, causing the tourists to retreat indoors. But, maybe that was the goal all along. Every time tourists go on the balcony or walk down the street, they will see flags and banners that express the disdain locals have for tourists.
Sources
Castán, P., & López, H. (2015, February 25). Duelo entre vecinos hartos y defensores del negocio turístico. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20150223/duelo-entre-vecinos-hartos-y-defensores-del-negocio-turistico-3962495
Castán, P. (2015, April 3). Barceloneta, nuevo asalto. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://www.elperiodico.com/es/economia/20150401/barceloneta-nuevo-asalto-4069209
França, J. (2014, August 22). La Barceloneta, un barrio desbordado por el turismo. Retrieved April 14, 2020, from https://www.eldiario.es/catalunya/Barceloneta-barrio-desbordado-turismo_0_295020536.html