Barcelona police detained five individuals Saturday night following clashes that erupted after a gathering of people identifying with the “therian” movement at the Arc de Triomf, authorities confirmed.
The gathering, initially promoted through social media, drew an estimated 3,000 people to the landmark, according to police reports. The “therian” movement involves individuals who identify psychologically or spiritually with animals, often expressing this identification through costumes and imitative behaviors.
While the event began peacefully, a segment of the attendees reportedly instigated disturbances, leading to vandalism and damage to public property. The Guardia Urbana, Barcelona’s municipal police force, requested assistance from the Mossos d’Esquadra, the Catalan regional police, to disperse the crowd. Four of the arrests were made by the Mossos d’Esquadra, and one by the Guardia Urbana.
Footage circulating online shows individuals wearing animal masks and costumes, primarily dogs, cats, foxes, and snakes, mimicking animal movements and sounds. The phenomenon, which has gained traction on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, has recently emerged in Spain, though it has been present in other countries for some time.
According to reports, the initial attraction to the Arc de Triomf stemmed from a viral call on social media. However, many attendees expressed a sense of having been misled, with some suggesting the event was largely driven by curiosity and opportunism. Television crews were present, filming reactions to individuals in costume.
The incident prompted a response from the Catalan police, who worked to clear the area and restore order. The investigation into the disturbances is ongoing.
