Barcelona cleans up its act

The streets of Barcelona are being reclaimed in the name of culture by the Catalan people after a recent influx of unruly visitors from northern Europe.

Tourism officials for the Catalonian region are introducing new measures to cut alcohol-fuelled, antisocial behaviour and reinstate the traditional, laid-back Mediterranean street culture of Barcelona and the Costa Brava resorts, according to the Independent.

The Catalonian city by the sea, the venue of the 1992 Olympic Games, which is renowned for its welcoming festive spirit, has reportedly been exploited and is now regarded as a favourite destination for partying travellers and stag and hen parties searching out cheap bars and long drinking hours.

However, Joan Clos, Barcelona's socialist mayor regards the action to improve the level of behaviour on the city's streets "a priority" the Independent reports.

Not only have street vendors, skateboarders, jugglers and beggars been banned by the authorities, but unofficial websites peddling promises of wild parties at cheap Catalan resorts have also been targeted and on-the-spot fines will be issued to unruly folk.

Barcelona is the historic capital of the Catalan region in northern Spain, with roots dating back to the founding of a Roman colony in the second century BC and many famous sons including the architect Antoni Gaudi and the artist Joan Miro.

Posted by Just the Flight, 26 March 2006 18:26

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