Protesters storm Austrian Christmas market in Mallorca over cultural erosion
A protest erupted at a Christmas market in Palma’s Parc de Sa Feixina over the weekend. Activists from the group SOS Residents marched through the Austrian-run event, carrying signs that symbolised the 'death of Mallorca.' Their demonstration highlighted growing concerns over the loss of local traditions and the influence of foreign tourism on the island.
The market, organised by Austrian entrepreneurs Gerhard Huber and Markus Pichler, has become a focal point for local frustration. Protesters accused the pair of misusing public space for private profit while promoting Northern European Christmas customs instead of Mallorcan culture.
The demonstration reflects wider tensions on the Balearic Islands, where one in five residents now comes from abroad. Germans form the second-largest foreign community, with 21,723 officially registered residents—trailing only Moroccans. This year alone, a record five million German tourists visited the islands, making them the largest foreign visitor group. SOS Residents has long campaigned against what they describe as the erosion of local identity. The group argues that events like the Austrian-run market push aside Mallorcan traditions, replacing them with commercialised foreign alternatives.
The protest in Palma underscores the growing divide between long-standing residents and the island’s booming foreign population. With tourism numbers climbing and expat communities expanding, debates over cultural preservation and public space usage are likely to continue. Local authorities have yet to respond to the activists’ demands.
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