New Rules for Souvenirs in Barcelona – What Souvenirs You Won’t See Anymore?

Barcelona, renowned for Gaudí’s architecture, stunning beaches, and rich culture, is now aiming to enhance the tourist experience by introducing new rules for souvenirs. The city council is considering a ban on the sale and display of offensive or tasteless souvenirs that might tarnish the city's image.

If you enjoy collecting souvenirs, be aware that some of them might soon disappear from the shelves of shops in Barcelona's oldest neighborhoods. The city council has targeted souvenirs with homophobic or sexist messages, such as phallic bottle openers and branded shot glasses, which have been criticized for degrading the city’s reputation.

Councilor Jordi Coronas has been actively opposing the sale of such items, describing them as a "shabby mess" that devalues Barcelona. He believes these items undermine the charm and beauty of the city’s most visited streets, particularly in the historic Ciutat Vella district.

This initiative has already received preliminary approval from the city council's economic commission. This means the city authorities can now further explore the possibility of banning the sale of offensive souvenirs. The proposal is particularly timely as it comes just before the Pride celebrations in Barcelona, highlighting the city’s commitment to inclusivity and respect.

Deputy Mayor for Economy, Jordi Valls, supports this initiative but acknowledges the difficulty in implementing specific rules due to the subjective nature of "taste" and "aesthetics." Valls promises to find ways to limit the sale of tasteless souvenirs to keep Barcelona attractive to tourists.