Barcelona protests turn violent near Plaça de Catalunya

Protests erupted unexpectedly in Barcelona on Saturday evening, with clashes between young demonstrators and police near Plaça de Catalunya, where fires were set and shops were looted. The unrest began suddenly on Passeig de Gràcia, as police vans chased black-clad youths. Witnesses saw burning trash containers, motorcycles, and café umbrellas, while businesses hastily boarded up windows and rioters raided stores. The violence followed a peaceful encampment of hundreds protesting Spain's housing crisis. By late evening, police and ambulances remained active, with some young protesters returning home after the destructive demonstration.