Barcelona ‘Therian’ Gathering Leads to Arrests and Raises Questions About Online Extremism

Barcelona’s Arc de Triomf was the site of clashes and arrests this past Saturday, following a gathering initially promoted online as a meeting of “therians”—individuals who identify as non-human animals. While the event attracted approximately 3,000 attendees, the situation quickly devolved into public disorder, resulting in the arrest of five individuals, including three minors Telecinco, Diari de Catalunya.

What are ‘Therians’?

The “therian” subculture involves individuals who identify as non-human animals, often expressing this identity through clothing, masks, and mimicking animal behaviors Diari de Catalunya. The phenomenon has gained traction on social media platforms, where individuals share their experiences and connect with others who share similar beliefs Diario Libre.

From Viral Trend to Public Disturbance

The gathering was initially organized through social media, with the account ‘Lo más viral’ on X (formerly Twitter) promoting the event El Periódico. However, the event quickly attracted a large number of onlookers and curious individuals, far exceeding the number of actual “therians” in attendance. The situation escalated as some attendees began engaging in vandalism and disruptive behavior, including throwing feed and making mocking gestures El Periódico.

Police Intervention and Arrests

The Guàrdia Urbana and Mossos d’Esquadra were called to the scene to restore order and disperse the crowd. Four arrests were made by the Mossos d’Esquadra, with the Barcelona local police making a fifth arrest during the subsequent disturbances Diari de Catalunya.

Concerns About Online Polarization

The incident has sparked discussion about the role of social media in both fostering niche communities and potentially inciting harassment and violence. The event highlights how online platforms can provide a space for individuals to explore their identities, but also how they can be exploited to target and marginalize those who are different. The large turnout of onlookers, many of whom appeared intent on mocking the therians, raises concerns about the potential for online trends to translate into real-world aggression.

Related News

• Five arrested following ‘therian’ gathering incidents in Barcelona – Diari de Catalunya
• Así ha sido la quedada de ‘therians’ en Barcelona que ha acabado en… – Telecinco
• Cuatro detenidos tras fallido encuentro de “therians” en Barcelona – Diario Libre
• THERIANS BARCELONA | Una quedada viral reúne a centenares de jóvenes en… – El Periódico