The OCB is calling for a rally with the slogan 'Forward with strength!' for Mallorca Day

PalmThe Balearic Cultural Association (OCB) and Young People of Mallorca for Language have called for a rally on December 31st at 1 p.m. in Sant Jeroni Square in Palma, as part of Mallorca's National Day celebrations. The associations are holding the event under the slogan "Forward with strength!" to celebrate the National Day and to demand that the institutions reinstate the historical date of December 31st. "This is a festive event that appeals to collective memory and the continuity of our identity as a people," stated sources from the OCB.

In this regard, the cultural association has recalled that December 31st is the historical date that Mallorcan institutions have commemorated since the 13th century, representing the desire for continuity with the historical, cultural, and linguistic identity to which we belonged nearly 800 years ago. "December 31st is a deeply rooted and shared day, with which generations of Mallorcans, prominent figures, and organizations from our past and present history identify," they point out. The OCB has invited everyone to attend the gathering that will take place after the official events of the Flag Day celebrations. Representatives from various social and cultural sectors of the Balearic Islands will participate in the event, which will include brief speeches by the president of the OCB and the spokesperson for Young Mallorca for Language, the reading of the December 31st manifesto, the singing of 'La Balanguera,' and a musical performance by Reina.

The demonstration to commemorate Mallorca Day will be, as is tradition, on December 30th. The march will depart at 6:00 PM from Plaça del Born, under the slogan "The solution: self-determination." It is being organized by the Independentist Left blog, the Jove blog, and the 31D Platform. Àngela Alemany, one of the organizers, noted that the Diada (Mallorca Day) is the oldest festival in Mallorca and that the demonstration has been held since 1987. "We commemorate the entry of Jaume I, and it shows us where we come from and where we are going, in a message of cohesion and a future in freedom." All of this is with an eye toward 2029, the year in which the 800th anniversary of the conquest of Mallorca will be commemorated, a milestone that the organizers want to begin preparing for well in advance, with a strong political and social focus.

For his part, spokesperson Tomeu Martí defended the reasons for taking to the streets and participating in the demonstration. "We believe that self-determination is the solution to most global and regional conflicts. Internationally, we see conflicts that are being resolved by force when, ultimately, they should be resolved through a referendum on self-determination regarding what the citizens want," he argued. Speaking specifically about Mallorca, he asserted that the people "have the right to decide their future." "Is there any politician who can tell us they are against Mallorca being what the Mallorcans want? Let them say so publicly, and many people will open their eyes." Martí also wanted to address the message to those concerned about social and economic issues such as access to housing, low wages, and the lack of skilled jobs. He argued that these groups must understand that "the best way to resolve these issues is to have decision-making power." In this regard, he denounced the existence of a "colonial injustice that violates the basic rights of citizens."

Finally, the spokesperson made an explicit call to action. "We are calling on everyone who has demonstrated for just causes this year to come to the demonstration. If there are people who are discouraged, make no mistake: mobilizing is worthwhile. In Mallorca, we have gained many things through mobilizations. Perhaps it's not immediate, but in the long run, it works."