Controversy over the Feixina Christmas Market: residents report damage to a tree in the park

PalmThe Christmas Market set up in Feixina Park continues to generate controversy in the neighborhood. The Barrio Cívico Residents' Association accuses the organizers of cutting branches from a tree that bothered them. "They've become obsessed with putting the German market in Feixina Park no matter what, against the wishes of residents, local artisans, the trees, whatever it takes," they wrote in a tweet. They criticize the fact that, to accommodate attractions like a slide, vegetation has been "damaged" and mobility has been reduced within a heavily used public space.

For its part, Afedeco, one of the organizing business associations, categorically denied these accusations and maintains that the pruning is part of routine municipal work to control ivy, "nothing to do with the market." They also assert that "falsehoods" have been spread, that the images do not reflect reality, and insist that they have always been open to dialogue with the residents.

Subsequently, Afedeco and Pimeco accused the Santa Catalina neighborhood association of "manipulating images, spreading false information, and attempting to claim ownership of the Feixina public space." In a joint statement this Friday, the business associations emphasized that "no square can be claimed as property or presented as the exclusive property of a specific association." In this regard, the president of Afedeco, Joana Manresa, asserted that public spaces belong to all citizens. She also affirmed that the Feixina Christmas market "has all the necessary municipal permits, strictly complies with regulations, and fully respects community relations."

In her opinion, most residents have expressed their support for this revitalization initiative. For Carolina Domingo, president of Pimeco, Palma needs economic, cultural, and social activity that brings life to the neighborhoods.

"We will not accept the construction of a false narrative to prevent it," Domingo criticized, emphasizing that Afedeco and Pimeco have requested a meeting with the residents' association to clarify doubts and explain the details of the market, but have not received a response.