Setúbal protesters target Arrábida beach privatization

The “Deslarrrguem a Arrábida!” movement is organizing a flashmob protest in Setúbal’s Praça do Bocage to oppose the attempted privatization of five beaches and natural areas in the Arrábida region.

Participants are encouraged to bring beach gear, such as towels, umbrellas, and floats, to symbolically transform the city center into a “private beach” in front of the City Hall. This marks the third such demonstration by the movement, following previous actions in June and July.

The protest aims to highlight the struggle for maintaining free public access to the coastline. The dispute involves Sociedade Palácio da Comenda, SA, the owner of Herdade da Comenda, which is pursuing legal action to recognize exclusive ownership of the land. The initiative is supported by various groups, including Reabrir a Galé, Dunas Livres, and the Bloco de Esquerda in Setúbal.