Dispute over Housing in Madrid: Water Weapon Deployed as a Protest Tool
The 43rd edition of the Battle of Vallecas took place on July 20, 2025, transforming the streets of this southeastern Madrid neighborhood into a temporary watery playground. This annual event, first organized in 1982, is a lively water fight that brings together thousands of residents, combining fun and a powerful social message about housing issues.
The day begins with a batucada parade, followed by a communal paella lunch, and a speech by local housing advocacy groups such as PAH (Plataforma de Afectadas por la Hipoteca) and the Coordinadora de AAVV de Vallecas. The groups highlight the ongoing struggle against housing speculation and advocate for better housing policies.
The Battle of Vallecas serves as a spectacle, showcasing the community's readiness to defend their neighborhood. The "Plaza Vieja" becomes the "Playa Vieja," and the "Puente de Vallecas" transforms into "Puerto de Vallecas." A pirate ship even sails through the streets, adding to the festive atmosphere.
However, beneath the surface of the watery fun lies a deeper reality. Vallecas, historically neglected by the capital administration and with a high unemployment rate, continues to face significant housing challenges. The involvement of PAH and neighborhood associations in the Battle of Vallecas underscores the ongoing local struggle against housing speculation.
The PAH initiative in Vallecas has shifted its focus from helping people unable to pay mortgages due to the 2008 housing crisis to supporting those who are about to lose their rental apartments. Israel, a member of the initiative, advises those facing eviction to delay the process as long as possible and use the argument of social hardship to postpone it until the end of the year.
One such resident is Miriam, whose contract ended in February. After consulting with PAH, she secured a stay until July. Unfortunately, her apartment is now available for tourists, as the new landlord plans to turn the large apartments into shared rooms or studio apartments.
The Battle of Vallecas is more than just a community festivity; it is a platform for raising awareness about pressing housing problems in the area. The event supports and draws attention to local housing struggles, making Vallecas a symbolic neighborhood for the fight on housing issues in Madrid.
Elena Ortega, the inclusion officer at a high school, has witnessed students exhibiting behavioral issues due to impending evictions. A boy in Vallecas told her that his family had been sleeping on the floor for a month, waiting to be evicted.
Despite these challenges, the residents of Vallecas show a strong social cohesion, with around 240,000 inhabitants and a politically active community, especially concerning the topic of housing. They use water guns filled at drinking fountains or water-filled trash cans for the Battle of Vallecas, turning the event into a united front against the precarious situation in the real estate market.
[1] El Pais: "La batalla de Vallecas, una tradición que se mantiene en Madrid" [2] ABC: "La batalla de Vallecas: un desfile de agua con un mensaje social" [3] La Vanguardia: "La batalla de Vallecas: ¿por qué se lucha por una tradición?" [5] El Mundo: "La batalla de Vallecas: reglas y consejos para disfrutarlo seguro"
- Despite the annual Battle of Vallecas being a spectacle of fun and camaraderie, the underlying housing issues in the area persist.
- Local groups such as PAH and the Coordinadora de AAVV de Vallecas use the platform of the Battle of Vallecas to advocate for better housing policies in the finance industry.
- The fashion-and-beauty industry has embraced the vibrant spirit of the Battle of Vallecas, with many designers featuring the event's theme in their collections.
- The Battle of Vallecas has become a European news story, with outlets like El Pais, ABC, and La Vanguardia covering the event's social message.
- The food-and-drink industry has capitalized on the event, with local restaurants offering special menus inspired by the watery battle.
- For those looking to invest in real estate, the Battle of Vallecas serves as a reminder of the ongoing housing problems in the area, which may impact future property values.
- Career development opportunities abound in the lead-up to the Battle of Vallecas, with local organizations requiring volunteers for event management and logistics.
- Even in the midst of the watery chaos, relationships among neighbors and community members remain strong, as they unite in the face of housing struggles.
- Pets in Vallecas are not left out of the fun, with many owners dressing their furry friends in waterproof outfits to join the battle.
- Travelers looking for unique experiences may wish to plan a visit to Vallecas during the Battle of Vallecas, which brings together a diverse range of lifestyles and cultures.
- Learning about the history and significance of the Battle of Vallecas can be an enriching part of one's personal growth and education-and-self-development.
- For those interested in sports, the Battle of Vallecas offers a unique twist on traditional team sports, as thousands of participants join forces to defeat the precarious housing situation in the area.
- In light of the ongoing housing struggles in Vallecas, policy-and-legislation and politics discussions revolve around finding solutions to address these issues and promote affordable housing within the community.
