Barcelona has lost another independent cultural space, as La Caníbal, the cooperative bookshop on Carrer de Nàpols in the Eixample, has closed after 12 years.
The bookshop was known for its associative model and for acting as a cultural meeting point in the city. Its closure has been presented by VilaWeb as the most serious of a series of political setbacks affecting the cultural sector.
The article argues that the Catalan government's Department of Culture has been too weak, too underfunded, and too slow to back public agreements, the Catalan language, and grassroots cultural work. It also criticises how prizes and subsidies are handed out, saying they do not always reflect the needs of Catalan culture.
It goes on to cite several examples it describes as political accidents in the cultural field, including claims about Lluís Pasqual, Judit Martín, and Antoni Gelonch. These are presented as part of a wider pattern of frustration with the cultural establishment and with government handling of the sector.
The piece also widens the criticism to the Catalan government more generally, mentioning ERC's support for Salvador Illa's investiture in 2024, later claims that agreements were broken, and recent budget approval. It also names ministers Paneque, Francesc Xavier Vila, Parlón, and Niubó in relation to rail, language, police infiltration, and education disputes.
For Barcelona readers, the key point is simple: La Caníbal's closure is another sign of pressure on the city's independent cultural scene. You can also follow our Community coverage for more local stories, and join our Barcelona English Speakers community on WhatsApp.
Originally published by VilaWeb Feed. Read original article.
