What looked online like a large youth movement turned, over the weekend, into a mix of viral hype, public curiosity and, in some cases, serious disturbances across several Spanish cities.
Meet-ups announced on social media by members of the so-called “therian” community — young people who describe themselves as identifying internally with a non-human animal — attracted far more spectators than actual participants.
Spain Press Editorial Team
Barcelona: From Expectation to Disorder
At the Arc de Triomf, thousands gathered on Saturday afternoon hoping to witness the phenomenon. However, according to local reports, very few self-identified therians actually appeared.
Instead, the space filled with teenagers filming, laughing, and in some cases wearing animal masks for fun. As the evening progressed, tensions escalated. Clashes broke out, street furniture was damaged and police intervened. Several arrests were made.What began as an internet trend spilled into real-world consequences.
Madrid: Viral Spectacle in the Capital
In Madrid, the atmosphere at the Puerta del Sol was described by witnesses as surreal. A large circle of onlookers surrounded a handful of masked youths moving on all fours, while dozens recorded the scene on their phones.
Observers commented that it felt less like a genuine community gathering and more like live content for TikTok.
Málaga, Zaragoza, Pamplona and A Coruña: More Cameras Than Community
In Málaga, one masked teenager reportedly became the center of attention for hundreds of smartphone users. Similar patterns were seen in Zaragoza, Pamplona and A Coruña — high public curiosity, but limited presence of actual therian participants.
Arc de Triomf, Barcelona. La famosa quedada dels Therians.
Gent vestida de gossos, de serps i cops de puny.
Estem cada vegada pitjor del cap. pic.twitter.com/vxI1AL8jlx
— Xavi Espinosa (@xaviespinosaa) February 21, 2026
Bilbao and Córdoba: Events Cancelled Over Safety Concerns
In Bilbao, although the official gathering had been cancelled, curious crowds still showed up. Two young women who identify as therians told local media that their daily lives are entirely ordinary — attending school, walking on two legs, eating normal food — while dismissing circulating rumors as false and offensive.
In Córdoba, organizers cancelled their planned event after online threats and hostile comments raised fears of possible aggression.
La concentración Therian de Málaga con caballo loco acaba en fracaso y detenciónhttps://t.co/hAFZFJ6fcX pic.twitter.com/XLM1yWlg2p
— Forocoches (@forocoches) February 21, 2026
What Is the Therian Phenomenon?
The therian community originated in online forums and has grown primarily through social media platforms. Most participants are teenagers exploring identity, often describing a symbolic or emotional connection to a specific animal.
Psychologists caution against labeling the phenomenon as a mental disorder. For many young people, it appears to be part of a broader identity exploration within digital culture.
A Digital Trend Meets Offline Reality
The weekend’s events reveal a clear contrast: what appears online as a massive movement may translate offline into a small group surrounded by a large audience seeking content.
The broader issue may not be the subculture itself, but the public reaction to it. Between curiosity, mockery and aggression lies a fine line.
In a society that values diversity, being different should not automatically mean becoming a target.
