A viral video starring two ‘tiktokers‘ has generated meaningful controversy on social media due to its content and the supposed location in the La Florida neighborhood,in the municipality of L’hospitalet de Llobregat (Barcelona). In the images, the influencers run and express criticism about the habitat, mentioning smells, stares, and certain perceptions of the neighborhood that have sparked debate among residents and platform users. The video was uploaded to social media by influencer Mariona Pujol, who at the beginning of it says they are running in “the ‘chungo’ neighborhood of Barcelona“, referring to La Florida, the neighborhood with the highest population density in Europe and one of the most vulnerable in the metropolitan area. The protagonist has already removed the video from her social networks, but other social media users have shared and criticized it.
At first glance, it is indeed not even clear whether the influencers actually set foot in the La Florida neighborhood. The published images show Severo Ochoa street and other parts of the Pubilla Cases neighborhood, which is also one of the most densely populated and vulnerable, as well as the bordering Esplugues de Llobregat (Baix Llobregat). The controversy has also opened a debate on the duty of content creators on social networks, especially when addressing sensitive issues such as the perception of certain neighborhoods or communities. Various users have labeled the two young women in the video as “classist” or “pijas” after describing the neighborhood as “chungo”,saying it smells like kebab or that “peopleS stares stick to you“.
L’Hospitalet de Llobregat’s Mayor Responds to “Influencers” with a Celebration of Local Pride
L’Hospitalet de Llobregat’s Mayor, Núria Marín, has responded to recent visits by social media influencers with a spirited message emphasizing the authenticity of her city. In a video response, the Mayor is shown running and directly addresses the influencers, stating, “In La Florida and in L’Hospitalet we don’t do posing. Here we don’t record clichés, we write real stories.”
The response comes after influencers visited the city, seemingly to “discover” it. Mayor Marín countered this narrative, asserting that residents have been actively living and shaping L’Hospitalet for generations. She highlighted the city’s vibrant neighborhood life,its traditional markets,and its local bars – characteristics of its working-class heritage.Beyond the everyday life of the city, Marín also celebrated the recent successes of L’Hospitalet’s athletes, including Paula crespí, Omar El Hilali, Jordi Alba, and María Vicente. “Here we run with pride, for our neighborhood and for a city that is moving forward at full speed,” she stated.
Concluding her message, mayor Marín extended an invitation to experience the city authentically, encouraging them to participate in the Cursa Nocturna de L’Hospitalet next year. “Here we run seriously… and with a smile,” she added.