Left-wing climate extremists targeted Barcelona’s Sagrada Família Basilica on Sunday, August 31, dousing parts of the building with red-colored powder in a protest against government inaction on wildfires. The group is venting its anger on the city’s major landmark, hoping to pressure authorities into taking action—but the backlash was immediate.
Radicals “Futuro Vegetal” shared photos and videos of the stunt on social media under the slogan “We act.” They claimed that the action aimed to highlight governmental responsibility for fires that devastated parts of Spain this summer. The group took to X, asserting
We dipped the facade of the Sagrada Família in red powder to protest the complicity of various governments in the fires that ravaged the peninsula this summer.
Since July, wildfires have swept across various regions—including Galicia, Castilla and León, and Extremadura—causing widespread destruction.
Police in Barcelona arrested several members of the extremist group at the scene, but they were later released after paying fines of €600 each.
The group criticized the government for subsidizing the meat industry—which they claim contributes to around 70% of wildfires due to land-clearing practices—rather than supporting those who lost homes in the fires.
The radical group has a history of protests, including defacing Lionel Messi’s Ibiza villa and damaging museum exhibits, criticizing illegal construction and the disproportionate environmental impact of wealthy individuals alike. Authorities previously arrested 22 members, including three leaders, in connection with these actions.
