This blog is ideal for students at A2–B1 level 🎓. You’ll practise with real Spanish news 🗞️, learn useful vocabulary 📚 and test your reading comprehension ✅.
👇 Here’s how to use it:
Durante las últimas semanas, en varias ciudades de España como Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca y San Sebastián, muchas personas han salido a la calle para protestar contra el turismo masivo. En las pancartas de algunas manifestaciones se puede leer el mensaje polémico: 'Guiri go home' 😠.
En español, la palabra guiri es una forma coloquial para referirse a los turistas extranjeros, sobre todo del norte de Europa 🌍. Aunque normalmente se usa de forma neutral o divertida 😄, en este caso tiene un tono negativo.
Los manifestantes critican que hay demasiados turistas, y esto provoca subida de precios, problemas de vivienda y pérdida de identidad local 🏠. Además, muchos vecinos se quejan del ruido, el comportamiento irrespetuoso y la masificación en zonas históricas y playas 🏖️.
El gobierno local de Palma ha dicho que quiere limitar el número de turistas y controlar el uso de apartamentos turísticos. En algunas ciudades, también se estudian medidas para proteger a los residentes y garantizar una vida más tranquila ☀️.
Sin embargo, muchas personas piensan que el mensaje 'Guiri go home' es demasiado agresivo y puede causar conflictos. Algunos vecinos proponen una solución más equilibrada: un turismo más sostenible y con más respeto por la cultura local 🌱.
In this article, we talked about the controversial slogan 'Guiri go home' that has appeared in some protests. We want to clarify that in Spain, the word guiri does not usually have a negative meaning. It is a colloquial word and is often used in a friendly or playful way to talk about foreign tourists.
In fact, at Soy Guiri we use this word with a lot of affection ❤️ to celebrate the journey of learning Spanish and living new experiences. Being a guiri can also be something very positive! 😉
▶️ Watch this video to better understand the word guiri and how Spaniards really use it in everyday life!
The issue is highly controversial and may cause some unease among visitors and residents. However, as this young man explains, the protests are against the economic model of mass tourism and not against individual tourists. Take a look at his point of view 👀👇:
In recent weeks, in cities like Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, and San Sebastián, many people have taken to the streets to protest against mass tourism. Some banners in the demonstrations displayed the controversial message: 'Guiri go home' 😠.
In Spanish, the word guiri is a colloquial term used to refer to foreign tourists, especially from northern Europe 🌍. It is usually used in a neutral or funny way 😄, but in this case, it has a negative tone.
Protesters complain there are too many tourists, which leads to price increases, housing problems, and a loss of local identity 🏠. Many neighbours also mention the noise, disrespectful behaviour, and overcrowding in historic areas and beaches 🏖️.
The local government of Palma has said it wants to limit tourist numbers and regulate the use of tourist apartments. In other cities, measures are being considered to protect residents and guarantee a more peaceful life ☀️.
However, some people think the slogan 'Guiri go home' is too aggressive and could cause conflict. Some neighbours suggest a more balanced solution: more sustainable tourism with more respect for the local culture 🌱.
🇪🇸 Guiri → Foreign tourist (usually from northern Europe)
🔥 Guiri go home → Protest slogan meaning 'Foreigners go home'
🪧 Protestar → To protest
🏨 Turismo masivo → Mass tourism
🪪 Pancarta → Protest sign or banner
🫵 Manifestación → Demonstration or protest
💬 Coloquial → Colloquial; informal language
✈️ Turistas extranjeros → Foreign tourists
⚖️ Neutral → Neutral
😄 Divertido/a → Fun or funny
❌ Negativo/a → Negative
👥 Manifestante → Protester
📈 Subida de precios → Price increase
🏠 Problemas de vivienda → Housing problems
🧬 Pérdida de identidad local → Loss of local identity
🫡 Vecino/a → Neighbour
🔊 Ruido → Noise
❌ Comportamiento irrespetuoso → Disrespectful behaviour
👥 Masificación → Overcrowding
🏛️ Zona histórica → Historic area
🏦 Gobierno local → Local government
🛌 Apartamento turístico → Tourist flat
📏 Medida → Measure or policy
🧑 Residente → Resident
🛡️ Garantizar → To guarantee
🧘 Tranquilo/a → Calm, peaceful
😠 Agresivo/a → Aggressive
⚔️ Conflicto → Conflict
⚖️ Equilibrado/a → Balanced
🌱 Sostenible → Sustainable
🎭 Cultura local → Local culture
📝 Reading comprehension exercise
Have you ever heard the word guiri before?
🤔 How do you feel about being called that while visiting Spain?
Share your experience in the comments! 💬👇