Fires Set in Barcelona as Protesters Rally Against Imposed COVID-19 Lockdown

Fires were set in the streets of Barcelona, Spain, on Friday, October 30, as demonstrators rallied against recent regional restrictions aimed at curbing a nationwide spike in coronavirus cases.

Video taken in the El Raval neighborhood shows protesters chanting while a fire burns in the street. “People protesting against the strict COVID-19 measures imposed here in Catalonia, approximately one hour before the daily 10pm – 6am curfew gets underway,” wrote uploader @Stevenbeijer.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the lockdown on Sunday, October 25, decreeing a state of emergency. “The reality is that Europe and Spain are immersed in a second wave of the pandemic,” said Sánchez following a meeting with his cabinet on Sunday, according to the New York Times.

The COVID-19 restrictions include a nationwide nightly curfew, with the exception of the Canary Islands, as well as limiting social gatherings to six people. The Catalonia region, including Barcelona, has closed bars and restaurants. Credit: @Stevenbeijer via Storyful