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The great beach Umbrella War spreads to the Costa del Sol
Police snapped removing ‘abandoned’ deckchairs and parasols from a beach in Torrox, Malaga
It’s another sizzling summer in Spain, and an age-old conflict has erupted once more, this time spreading to the sandy shores of Malaga – the infamous ‘Umbrella War’. Beachgoers are squaring off in a battle for territory, and social media is ablaze with passionate debates.
It’s a conflict that repeats itself every year, pitting sunbathers against each other in a race to claim the best spots on the sand.
The issue has sparked intense discussions online, with one viral TikTok post garnering more than 26,000 reactions.
The post shines a spotlight on the controversial practice of reserving beach space while going for a quick bite or a drink at the chiringuito.
The viral picture shows Torrox Municipal Police officers enforcing the local law by removing chairs and umbrellas that have been left unattended. The TikTok poster comes down firmly on the side of the sunbathers, writing: “You can’t occupy a place on the beach while you go to eat, but they can squat in your house and the law protects them. What do you think?”
As always, the topic led to a heated debate. Some users praised the police, who also doled out fines on the day in question, for ensuring everyone can get a spot on the crowded beach. Others, however, argued that the rule was too strict, preventing holidaymakers from taking a leisurely stroll or grabbing some food at the beach bar.
The trouble is that it’s hard to differentiate between deck chairs and umbrellas that have been ‘abandoned’ and beach gear that belongs to someone who’s just gone for a dip in the sea, for example. The municipality of Torrox, like many other Costa del Sol destinations, has implemented ordinances that aim to prevent beachgoers from staking their claim on the sand and then leaving.
Furthermore, the regulations establish that objects found left alone will be removed and stored for a maximum of fourteen days. If they are not claimed by their owners within this period, after paying a fine of 30 euros, the objects will be considered as “waste” and will be disposed of.
Despite the legal backing, the social media debate rages on.
Image: mariadelao_87 on TikTok
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