Residents oppose Palma's Christmas Market: "It's blatant colonization"

PalmHe Christmas Market of La Fajina It's already up and running: with more than 60 uniform stalls, an ice rink, and a distinctly German atmosphere, it aims to evoke the grand European markets. But for many residents, this project represents the imposition of a commercial model that obscures their own identity and encroaches on community spaces. The market presents a carefully curated image—wooden stalls, warm lighting, and a Nordic ambiance. Some appreciate the effort: "It's like in Vienna and Strasbourg; it's what Palma deserves," says a resident with a pronounced German accent. But others criticize the installation: "It lacks personality."

The location of the market in La Feixina was decided without consulting residents, artisans, or traditional vendors, according to a complaint filed by the Santa Catalina and El Jonquet Civic Neighborhood Association. The association criticized the decision as "arbitrary, without a public bidding process, and with favoritism."

"Full use of space"

According to a board member, thanks to the mobilization of the residents, it has been possible to "There should be no noise, and it shouldn't go beyond the park."But the problem isn't just the noise: "The occupation of public space is a tragedy. It's a total occupation: they even use the park entrances as parking spaces."

Other residents complain that the area can't be used normally at certain times of day. "You have no alternative for walking the dog and the skaters –regular park users– They can't be there either. Everything is at the disposal of this business." In this way, the use of public space is "erased in service of commercial exploitation."

The local language is relegated to a single welcome sign and the official regulations within the market. The rest of the signage—stall names, product listings, offers—is in Spanish, English, or German. Local and Christmas products are also missing, criticizes the Barrio Cívico neighborhood association. The association laments that the market resembles a generic European fair more than a showcase with a Mallorcan identity. One member of the neighborhood council puts it bluntly: "There's nothing. Practically everything is food and just for show. It's Germans for Germans... It's blatant colonization." Furthermore, the handicrafts "are nothing special: red Christmas baubles you can buy at any bazaar."