This story was first reported by Liniaxarxa.

More than 3,000 people have blocked Avinguda Diagonal in Barcelona’s Zona Universitària this Wednesday afternoon, according to the city council and the Mossos d'Esquadra (regional police), as Liniaxarxa reported. The demonstrators began marching from Esplugues de Llobregat and advanced along Diagonal ahead of a major rally scheduled for 17:30.

The protest is part of a nationwide housing strike, with the main demonstration set to depart from Jardinets de Gràcia, near the Diagonal. Organisers claim an 84% strike participation rate, describing the city as largely at a standstill. “Everything is stopped,” a spokesperson told Liniaxarxa.

Travel Disruption Expected

Drivers and public transport users should expect significant delays across central Barcelona, particularly along Avinguda Diagonal between Zona Universitària and Gràcia. Alternative routes are advised until at least 20:00, when authorities expect the demonstrations to conclude. Local metro lines serving the area, including L3 and L5, may see increased passenger loads.

Residents and commuters can check real-time updates via the Ajuntament de Barcelona’s traffic portal at barcelona.cat/mobilitat.

Sources: Liniaxarxa.