Hundreds protest against mass tourism; tourists harassed, windows smashed

Hundreds of people marched in Mexico City on Friday to protest the influx of foreign visitors, especially Americans. They blamed them for rising rents that are pushing locals out of their neighbourhoods and forcing them to move into poorer areas.The protest began peacefully in the capital's Roma and Condesa districts but turned violent when some masked demonstrators began smashing storefront windows, damaging restaurant furniture, and looting high-end businesses.Several protesters chanted slogans like “Gringo go home,” “Mexico for Mexicans,” and “Pay taxes, learn Spanish, respect my culture” to express their frustration with tourists, urging them to leave the city.

Graffiti was sprayed on shattered windows with messages such as “Get out of Mexico,” and protesters held signs reading “Gringos, stop stealing our home” and “Housing is a right, not a commodity.” Demonstrators are demanding local legislation to regulate tourism and enforce stricter housing laws.The march later moved to the US Embassy, where protesters continued chanting as police reinforcements arrived. Demonstrations also continued inside the city’s metro system.

Mexico City's government secretary, César Cravioto, condemned the violence and described the protest as “xenophobic expressions,” similar to what Mexican migrants have faced abroad. He reported that 15 businesses and public facilities were damaged during the protest.He called for dialogue instead of violence, saying, “We are a city of open arms… there are always ways to negotiate, to sit at the table.”Local anger and resentment have been rising since 2020, when many Americans flocked to the Latin American city to escape Covid-19 lockdowns and take advantage of lower living costs.

Since then, rents in many neighbourhoods have soared, forcing numerous Mexican residents to relocate to more affordable areas.Michelle Castro, a 19-year-old student who joined the protest, said her working-class neighbourhood has seen apartment buildings converted into tourist housing. “Many say it’s xenophobia, but it’s not. So many foreigners come here, rents are skyrocketing because of Airbnb. Some people can’t even pay anymore,” she explained.The protest in Mexico City is part of a broader global backlash against mass tourism and rising housing costs, with similar demonstrations taking place in European cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and Rome.