Bilbao's street musicians make a noise over new city ordinance

Bilbao’s street performers gathered on Saturday (April 25) to protest a recent city ordinance on terraces and public spaces which they say effectively sidelines the city's street art. 

Musicians, singers, jugglers and acrobats joined forces in front of the Basque city’s emblematic Teatro Arriaga to draw attention to new local laws that ban the use of amplifiers or backing tracks without express permission, restricting certain areas of the city, and capping group sizes, which they say effectively sidelines the city's street art.

Colombian guitarist Herjex, 35, gave a stirring rendition of Dire Straits hit “Sultans of Swing”, which he said would be banned under the new laws. 

“You used to go the town hall, ask for your permit and they would give it to you, without asking questions” said Herjex, adding that “now, with what’s happening with the amplification, I can’t play without amplification. I’m good with the guitar, with singing, with the sound, making it sound good and all that”

Members of the platform SOS Bilboko Kaleko Artistak (SOS Bilbao street artists) argue it’s an excessive crackdown that prioritises bar terraces and large events over grassroots culture, limiting freedom of expression, and pushing music, theatre and dance “to the brink of extinction” in the streets.

Production: Vincent West, Michele Spatari/Reuters