Housing activists set up indefinite tent camps in Valencia and Alicante following property summit clashes

Valencia encampment takes root in Plaza del Ayuntamiento

Hundreds of housing activists spent the night in central Valencia, pitching more than 100 tents in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento following demonstrations against property speculation. By Sunday, the gathering grew to more than 250 participants, mostly young adults between 20 and 30 years old, who voted in a 10:00 general assembly to maintain an indefinite presence in the square. The encampment began spontaneously after Saturday's march, drawing organizational inspiration from the Puerta del Sol protests in Madrid. Campers established an assembly structure with working commissions managing logistics, cleaning, security, coexistence, and accessibility. Placards denounced real estate investment funds, while organizers set up banner-making stations, a food depot, and a suggestion box for camp deliberations.

Clashes outside the real estate summit

The encampment followed tensions on Saturday evening outside the Palau de les Arts, where industry delegates gathered for the Valencia Real Estate Summit 2026. A group of demonstrators breached security fences surrounding the venue, prompting National Police officers to deploy batons, smoke canisters, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowd. Police reports recorded nine injured officers and five arrests during the confrontation. Although the Tenants Union of Valencia (Sindicato de Inquilinas de València) issued statements supporting the occupation of the municipal square, organizers emphasized that the camp operates autonomously without political party ties.

Hugo, spokesperson for the camp communication committee, addressed the movement's independent structure during Sunday morning's assembly.

What needs to be made very clear is that this is a popular encampment, and although the unions have issued statements of support, we are not them, nor do we have any political party behind us.

Parallel mobilization in Alicante

A simultaneous encampment formed 120 kilometers south in Alicante following a demonstration organized by the Sindicat de Vivenda de Carolines and the Sindicat de la Zona Nord. Between 50 and 55 tents were erected on Saturday evening in the Plaza de la Montanyeta directly opposite the government subdelegation building. National Police cordoned off and monitored the administrative building, but the protest proceeded without physical clashes or eviction orders. Activists noted that attendees faced noisy conditions and bright square lighting overnight, but received sleeping bags and food contributions from local supporters. Logistics teams organized food supplies, discussions, and yoga sessions throughout Sunday to sustain the gathering.

Llorenç Savall, a representative of the Sindicat de Vivenda de Carolines, commented on the regional scale of participation following the march.

We saw around 8,000 people in the demonstration. It is something we had never seen in housing and sets a precedent.

Logistics and the approaching regional holiday

In Valencia, participants began naming internal camp pathways while coexisting with a scheduled Fallas running race that passed adjacent streets on Sunday morning. Organizers issued appeals for non-perishable food, coolers, ice, tarps, and power generators to prepare against adverse weather. The assembly faces logistical complications ahead of 9 October, the Day of the Valencian Community, when official parades and protocol ceremonies are scheduled to pass through the city center. Campers recalled a prior teachers' protest in the Plaza de la Virgen during the Corpus Christi celebrations that persisted without incidents, expressing confidence that their peaceful presence can continue without disruption.