Sant Antoni market tents have disappeared from the ground floor of the municipal market in a sudden and unexplained move.
Local residents and the De Veí a Veí foundation, located opposite the market, noticed the abrupt change this week.
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The tents had become a common sight in the area for months, with counts ranging from three or four to as many as six makeshift shelters, alongside mattresses.
According to a report in La Vanguardia, nearly 50 people are currently living on the streets in this part of the Eixample district. Dozens more come daily to ask for money or search through bins. Consequently, the foundation has expressed concern that while the city’s emergency plan has improved security and cleanliness, social work efforts are not progressing at the same pace.
Questions Raised Over Sant Antoni Market Tents Disappearance
A member of the De Veí a Veí foundation raised the issue directly with the district councillor, Deputy Mayor Jordi Valls, at the latest Sant Antoni neighbourhood council meeting. “It has caught our attention that, after the press showed this situation, the tents that were under the market’s pergolas have suddenly disappeared,” they stated. “We wonder if it is the product of a social solution or a police eviction measure.”
Councillor Valls responded that he would look into it, as he was unaware of any extraordinary action. He noted that he only knows the Urban Guard and social services wake those sleeping in public spaces each morning. “The City Council has mechanisms to prevent homeless people from bunkering in specific places,” Valls explained. “It’s a complicated debate.”
The council claims 39 people sleep on these streets, a figure that excludes those who only come to seek a living. Social services are trying to build links with everyone. Furthermore, eight individuals have entered improvement plans, with four under active follow-up.
This situation highlights the broader Barcelona housing crisis, where soaring costs push more residents into precarious living situations. Meanwhile, ERC councillors plan to question the government next week on its efforts to overcome the reluctance of many homeless people to accept help. They will also ask how many people linked to social services continue to receive support after being evicted from a settlement.
As of Wednesday night, no tents remained near the Sant Antoni market. The disappearance of the Sant Antoni market tents leaves unanswered questions about the city’s long-term strategy for its most vulnerable residents.
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