In the streets of San Sebastián on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the usual rhythms of the Basque city were interrupted by the heavy weight of a general strike. Among the thousands of demonstrators marching for better wages and housing rights, a few faces stood out—not because they were shouting the loudest, but because they were trying very hard not to be seen.
Images released by Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) of Euskadi captured an unexpected sight: actress Ester Expósito and actor Carlos González walking among the protesters. To navigate the crowd, the two stars reportedly wore sunglasses, a subtle attempt to maintain a degree of anonymity while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens facing the pressures of rising living costs. It was a moment of profound contrast, placing figures of significant economic privilege directly into the center of a struggle defined by the fight against poverty and speculation.
The day was structured by the organized momentum of Spain's major labor unions. At noon, the first major march departed from Alderdi Eder, carrying the urgent slogans of the general strike: '11N huelga general. Salarios. Vivienda. Precios.' This movement, spearheaded by the unions CC.OO and UGT, sought to address the fundamental needs of the working population—dignified wages and the basic right to a home.
For González, known for his role in 'La Bola Negra,' the location serves as both a workplace and a site of political engagement.
As the first wave of protesters moved through the city, a second, more specialized movement began to coalesce. Shortly after 12:30 PM, a second march, organized by various housing unions, departed from Plaza Pío XII. This group, which also drew thousands of participants, focused its energy on the specific crisis of housing, utilizing slogans that targeted the forces of speculation that have made urban living increasingly untenable for many.
The presence of Expósito and González in Guipúzcoa is not merely a coincidence of geography. Both actors are currently in the region filming the adaptation of 'La Regenta,' a literary work by Clarín. For González, known for his role in 'La Bola Negra,' the location serves as both a workplace and a site of political engagement.
For Expósito, the decision to join the streets followed a period of digital advocacy. Before appearing physically in the San Sebastián crowds, she had utilized her social media platforms to encourage participation in the strike. Her involvement was not limited to labor issues; she also used her reach to urge citizens to participate in the upcoming general elections, scheduled for November 29.
Expósito has long been characterized by her strong feminist views, often using her platform to challenge social norms. Her perspective on the systemic pressures facing individuals often touches on the burdens placed upon both men and women by societal expectations. She has argued that true freedom involves being able to exist as an individual, unencumbered by the rigid roles that the system imposes.
"You would also win if you could feel free as individuals, without having to be the male or carrying all the load that society and the system imposes on them as well," she has noted. "It is not just privileges. I also believe it weighs them down in many ways."
This philosophy of individual liberation seems to inform her frustration with modern social dynamics, particularly the persistence of misogyny in digital spaces. She has expressed a deep irritation regarding the prevalence of sexist comments directed at young women on social media, questioning how those who understand the core tenets of feminism could possibly oppose its progress.
The sight of high-profile actors participating in a strike organized by CC.OO and UGT creates a complex narrative. While the actors are in the region for professional reasons, their physical presence in the march highlights the intersection of celebrity culture and grassroots activism. The strike serves as a reminder of the widening gap between the economic realities of the general public and the worlds inhabited by those in the film industry.
As the demonstrations in San Sebastián conclude, the focus of the country shifts toward the political horizon. The grievances voiced in the streets—demands for housing rights and stabilized prices—remain unresolved, set against the backdrop of a nation preparing to head to the polls on November 29.