The demonstration on April 20 against tourist overcrowding has brought together thousands of people in Lanzarote. Citizens have gathered at the Music Kiosk in the capital of Lanzarote to walk its streets with banners calling for an end to the mass tourism model: “If César Manrique raised his head”, they expressed. According to data provided by the Government Delegation, it is estimated that the demonstration brought together about 10,000 attendees.
“The Canary Islands say enough to their destruction”, chanted the anonymous protesters who called the demonstration ‘The Canary Islands have a limit on the island of Lanzarote’. Those present have made the tour of the city center to the cry of some phrases to express a change. “There is no bed for so many people”, they shout in unison in protest at the massive arrival of tourists to the islands.
Among the slogans shouted by the thousands of attendees, it was possible to hear the request for an ecotax and the request for a tourist moratorium. In addition, it was possible to read among the posters of the attendees slogans such as “tourism yes, but not like this” or "less selling and more protecting".
The protesters have made clear their opinion about the corruption that exists in the Canary Islands. "Honest politicians wanted", they have written on some of the banners that they raise with their hands in the air during the march. They also wanted to warn the president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, of their demands. "Oswaldo listen, we are in the fight", they shouted as they walked along Manolo Millares street. The citizens wanted to highlight the importance of the union between the eight Canary Islands to claim themselves this April 20. "The Canary Islands united will never be defeated", they chanted holding a large banner in the front rows of the demonstration.
"The threats to our heritage are back in the news"
To end the march through the center of Arrecife, the protesters ended up in front of the headquarters of the Cabildo of Lanzarote. Place where citizens have stopped to listen to the reading of the manifesto. A document that collects the words of the Lanzarote artist, César Manrique. "The chaotic speculation that extends throughout the Canary Islands". Along with Manrique's famous phrase, it has been pointed out that speculation is still in the spotlight. "To our misfortune, the threats to our heritage are back in the news" this April 20, 2024.
Demonstrations in Madrid, Barcelona or Granada
In addition, the volcanic island has not been the only part of the Spanish territory in which citizens have taken to the streets to demonstrate. In the Canary Islands, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria they have also taken to the streets and in the Peninsula, specifically in Madrid, they have filled the square of the Sol neighborhood to show solidarity with the Archipelago. "The Canary Islands are not sold, they are loved and defended", they have stated.
Barcelona has also gathered protesters, who accompanied by Canary Islands flags, wanted to join the fight. "The Canary Islands have a limit", they have shown through several banners as has been seen on social networks throughout the morning. Other Andalusian cities such as Granada and Málaga did not want to miss the event, as well as some abroad, such as Berlin, London or Amsterdam.
