Spain is not violent. They have never even won a war so if they were violent they are not good about it. I just left, my apartment was 2 meters from the big rally. THe buses were parked in front of out apartment. THe balconies all around us draped with political positions and yet everyone is smiling. Even at the game the rally continued and it was non-violent PASSION. My wife who hates US politics said she shised she understood the positions and could chant along. They are not anti-tourist they seem concerned about the impact that tourism has on a place that can only grow upwards. The Sagrada expansion and its impacts. With all of that said they still shione the light on what they did in 92 to get the Games. They love the changes that tourism brings (no beach to awesome beaches) industrial parks to parks and more. But rising rents, Air BNB, wear and tear on the city is a concern. They want the visits they just do not want the bad that comes with it. That is not being able to live in the City. Paris is more of what barca is trying to avoid. They already have a homeless population and cost of living rises with tourist who come expecting amazing priced Tapas. You can't make cheap great food and serve it with a smile if that action does not pay for the life you need to live. As a trade based city from the early days they realize the balance of trade, wages and cost of living.

We were dumb first timers and never felt so welcome in a foreign country. Go, have fun.