Police in Barcelona are preparing for possible renewed unrest on Halloween after messages circulated on social media calling for further violence and looting, days after riots in the Spanish city resulted in approximately 130 arrests.
The warnings follow serious disturbances in Barcelona on Saturday, October 24, and further unrest in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao on Monday, where around 20 people were arrested.
More than 600 young people gathered in central Barcelona on Saturday following an online mobilisation campaign promoted under the name Blocus.
The gathering subsequently descended into violence, with groups of participants reportedly vandalising and looting businesses, setting fires and clashing with security forces.
According to authorities, at least 23 commercial establishments were looted or damaged during the disturbances, while firefighters responded to 33 small fires across the affected areas.
Of the approximately 130 people arrested in Barcelona, 76 were minors, highlighting the significant involvement of young people in the unrest.
Police are now monitoring renewed calls for gatherings on October 31, when Halloween celebrations are expected to draw large crowds to the city’s streets.
A Telegram group operating under the name Blocus BCN has reportedly circulated messages encouraging participants to assemble again on Halloween.
The messages have urged those planning to attend to wear black clothing and Halloween masks, apparently to make identification by police more difficult.
Promotional material associated with the planned gathering has also referred to recent demonstrations in France as a source of inspiration.
Catalonia’s regional police force is investigating the organisation of Saturday’s disturbances, with officers examining whether the violence was planned and coordinated through online networks.
According to Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia, investigators believe the events were organised rather than spontaneous, with participants apparently following instructions issued by unidentified individuals.
Police have reportedly ruled out a political or ideological motive for the disturbances, instead focusing on the possibility that online organisers deliberately encouraged disorder and criminal activity.
The unrest in Bilbao on Monday has added to concerns about the potential spread of similar disturbances to other Spanish cities.
Authorities are assessing the online messages and preparing security arrangements ahead of Halloween, when the possibility of large gatherings could create additional challenges for law enforcement.
The investigation into the organisers of the Barcelona riots remains ongoing, while police continue efforts to prevent further violence, protect businesses and maintain public safety during the upcoming celebrations.