What began as a peaceful demonstration against gentrification and masstourism in Mexico City turned violent on Friday evening, leading to clashes.

Hundreds of people marched through popular neighbourhoods such as Condesa and Roma to express their discontent with the growing influence of foreigners — particularly American tourists and digital nomads — in the capital.

The protests, which initially featured banners with slogans such as “gringos, stop stealing our home”, escalated when a smaller group of masked demonstrators smashed windows of luxury shops and eateries and began intimidating foreign tourists. Graffiti with messages such as “get out of Mexico” was sprayed on shopfronts, while in other places an effigy of former US president Donald Trump was set alight.

Rising rents and social pressure

The protests stem from the explosive growth in the number of foreign residents since 2020, when many Americans chose Mexico City as a refuge during the pandemic. The rise of so-called “digital nomads” has put considerable pressure on the housing market, especially in fashionable neighbourhoods like Roma and Condesa, known for their tree-lined avenues, cafés and trendy restaurants.

“Mexico City is changing,” said 19-year-old student Michelle Castro, who lives in the city centre. “There are lots of foreigners, especially Americans, moving here. Many say it’s xenophobia, but it’s not. It’s just that so many foreigners are coming here, rents are soaring because of Airbnb, and some people can no longer afford to pay.”

International trend

The discontent in Mexico City is not unique. In European cities such as Barcelona, Paris, Rome and Madrid, protests against masstourism have also been growing. The concerns are similar: rising rents, overcrowded infrastructure and the erosion of local identity. According to the United Nations’ World Tourism Barometer, Europe received 747 million tourists last year, with southern and western Europe accounting for the largest share.

Response from the authorities

The march ended at the US embassy, where demonstrators continued voicing their anger as large numbers of police units stood by. Sirens echoed through the city centre as the authorities attempted to prevent further escalation.

Although the protests began as a call for change, their violent turn is troubling for both residents and visitors. The incident increases pressure on policymakers to introduce regulations that, on the one hand, better manage tourism, and on the other, protect the interests of local inhabitants.

Mexico City now stands at a crossroads: how it addresses the tension between globalisation and local liveability will be crucial in shaping its future.

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