No “Olympics”?—San Sebastian, Basque Country

I suspect that it could have been related to Spain’s bid to host the 2030 winter olympics. Spain withdrew its bid fairly recently. Perhaps one of the forum members from Spain will know.

It might mean that sports are not allowed on the beach.

As mentioned: opposition to the Olympic Game's bid -now retired.

A bit strange a Winter Olympics that was to be held in Catalonia and Aragon, being protested "on and near La Concha beach", in Euskadi.

bit strange a Winter Olympics that was to be held in Catalonia and Aragon, being protested "on and near La Concha beach", in Euskadi

An Olympic games is a drain on the whole country in a place like Spain. Requires Millions and Millions invested in facilities that usually sit empty after a couple months use, lots of temporary jobs that just vanish, security issues...people in the Basque region probably saw it as only loss, with no gain, and projects needed for the area cancelled or delayed if the games did come.

@Paul, I fully agree with your take on the impact of an Olympics .

But I still think that it is about playing on the beach. First I have not seen any "no olympics" signs in Pamplona where I work, and two, I still don't see the connection with the beach and winter sports.

I do not think we (in the Basque Country) care the less about the winter Olympics. I´ve checked with some Donostia-San Sebastian locals and it seems it has something to do with the playing of sports in that area. But definitely, nothing to do with Oympics, outside Catalonia and Aragon it´s been a matter of the lesser importance.

Thanks for clarifying Mikel, I must be mistaken then, I was under the impression that this sign was connected to some political stands made by Bildu a few months ago.

You never know with politics and politicians, but it seems it´s not related to the Olympics this time. In any case, they find it odd (it´s the local guides of D-SS I´ve asked)

Thanks Mike (although you would think if they were trying to stop the playing of sports on the beach, a more direct sign in multiple languages would be more effective).

... and to add to the conversation: to be frank, most Catalans haven't shown much interest or support in this particular bid either, it was more a (Catalan) government-led initiative to revamp business in the Pyrenees' counties than anything else. And even in those counties, a strong opposition also appeared because it wasn't clear what common benefits would bring to the citizens of the area -other than to specific companies/businesses- and at what cost.