The 'prepper' or preparedness movement is no longer a niche market limited to adventurers but a growing trend in the province of Tarragona. Instructors like Adrián de la Cruz, known online as 'Soy lobo nómada', confirm the surge in demand, attracting diverse groups including couples and families aged between 40 and 50 seeking to protect their children.
“"We have recovered ancient knowledge, those ways of doing things from before, preserving food. That is also survival and preparedness. We have learned to purify water without relying on devices. That gives a lot of peace of mind."
The pandemic served as a turning point, followed by ongoing concerns over nearby wars, nuclear threats, geopolitical instability, and adverse climate events like Danas and blackouts. Adrián de la Cruz, a former police officer in Barcelona, left the city for self-sufficiency near Reus and now dedicates himself to training others through his Academia de Supervivencia.
“"You don't have to be Rambo or a green beret, but rather know some basic things that have been instilled in other countries for a long time."
Other experts, such as Víctor Sala, CEO of the PlayD survival school, which holds events in areas like Calafat, note that 55% of their website traffic comes from women, indicating a shift away from the traditional male-dominated profile. Basic techniques taught include orientation, safe knife use, fire generation, water procurement, and preparing the 72-hour emergency kit recommended by the Generalitat.
