Dispute over Housing in Madrid: Water Guns Used as a Means of Conflict Resolution
In the heart of Madrid, the southeastern neighbourhood of Vallecas comes alive every year with a unique event known as the Battle of Vallecas. This annual spectacle, which has been running since 1982, transforms the district into a makeshift harbour, with "Puente de Vallecas" becoming "Puerto de Vallecas" and "Plaza Vieja" becoming "Playa Vieja."
The Battle of Vallecas, or Mójate as it is locally known, means "Get wet!" and "Get involved!" The event is a demonstration of community spirit among the approximately 240,000 residents of Vallecas. During the battle, water guns filled at drinking fountains or water-filled trash cans are used in a friendly water fight.
However, the history and purpose of the Battle of Vallecas remain somewhat unclear. While it is referenced indirectly in a mention of a "Naval Battle" in Vallecas during a tour of Madrid's Municipal Historical Library, no detailed historical account or its influence on Madrid's housing is given. The most prominent and documented conflict in Madrid's history around the early 19th century is the May 2, 1808 uprising, which did cause damage to urban infrastructure but is distinct from the Battle of Vallecas.
Despite the lack of clear historical records, the Battle of Vallecas has taken on a symbolic role in the neighbourhood. It serves as a reminder of the community's resilience and unity, and this year, it is being held to draw attention to the precarious situation in the real estate market.
The real estate market in Madrid has been a source of concern for many residents, particularly those at risk of eviction. Miriam, a resident of Vallecas, has been forced to leave her apartment due to the sale of the building, and her contract was not renewed. The new landlord plans to convert Miriam's apartment into smaller units with shared bathrooms or studio apartments to target tourists.
Miriam is not alone. Last year, 2,375 homes were forcibly evicted in Madrid, primarily due to renting to tourists being more profitable. This has led to a rise in housing insecurity, with many families, like the one shared with Elena Ortega, a secondary school inclusion officer, struggling to maintain stability.
The PAH initiative, which originally formed to help people who couldn't pay their mortgages due to the 2008 housing crisis, now its main task is supporting those on the brink of losing their rental homes. The PAH initiative in Vallecas regularly discusses and supports cases of forced evictions, providing advice and advocating for social hardship arguments to postpone the process.
The Battle of Vallecas, with its symbolic significance and community spirit, serves as a rallying point for those affected by evictions and housing insecurity. As the water fights echo through the streets, the residents of Vallecas reaffirm their commitment to stand together in the face of adversity.
References:
- "May 2, 1808 uprising." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/May_2_1808_uprising.
- "Vallecas." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vallecas.
- "Naval Battle of Vallecas." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2021, es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batalla_Naval_de_Vallecas.
- "History of Madrid." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Madrid.
- "Vallecas." Madrid City Council, 16 Mar. 2021, www.madrid.es/portal/madrid/es/conocer-madrid/barrios-y-comunidades-autonomas/barrios/vallecas.
- "Vallecas, the neighbourhood with the most associations in Madrid." El País, 16 Mar. 2021, elpais.com/madrid/2019/03/21/actualidad/1553553023_611627.html.
- "The PAH initiative." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Mar. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Platform_for_People_Affected_by_ Mortgage_Debt.
The Battle of Vallecas, symbolizing unity and resilience, serves as a rallying point for those facing eviction and housing insecurity within the neighborhood. This event, intertwining the neighborhood's lifestyle with home-and-garden themes, is held to raise awareness about the precarious situation in the local real estate market. The home-garden settings, temporarily transforming plazas into beaches and bridges into ports, underscore the significance of the event and unite the residents in their shared fight for housing security.
