Protests erupted in Mexico City on Friday night as residents voiced their anger over escalating living costs attributed to a spike in tourism. The demonstration, initially peaceful, descended into chaos, damaging multiple businesses and igniting discussions about gentrification in one of the world's most vibrant capitals.
Participants, who gathered to protest against rising prices and the transformation of traditional neighborhoods into upscale developments, carried placards with slogans such as, “Your new home is an invasion” and “We shouldn’t feel like foreigners in our own land.” Emotions intensified when a faction of demonstrators began vandalizing storefronts, including notable chains, and engaging in graffiti in the city's upscale districts of Condesa and Roma.
César Cravioto, Mexico City's government secretary, reported that around fifteen businesses were impacted and condemned the violence, labeling some of the protests as reflective of a “xenophobic” sentiment. Cravioto reiterated that Mexico City is a hub for migrants, stating, “We do not support this kind of demonstration.”
Governor Carla Brugada acknowledged the adverse effects of gentrification, asserting her administration’s commitment to promoting affordable housing solutions. She emphasized that the fight against gentrification should not evolve into discrimination against migrants or perpetuate xenophobic expressions.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, areas like Roma and Condesa have seen an influx of digital nomads drawn by lower costs and the flexibility of remote work. While many local businesses have thrived in this environment, rising rents continue to threaten the affordability of housing for local residents earning an average monthly salary of around $370.
One group behind the protests, Frente Anti Gentrificación Mx, took to social media ahead of the event, likening the influx of Western expats to modern colonialism and framing the issue as “a silent expulsion” of locals from their neighborhoods. The protests in Mexico City come amid a broader global backlash against mass tourism, with similar movements surfacing in countries like Italy, Portugal, and Spain as cities grapple with affordability challenges exacerbated by tourism.
