New Christmas Fair in Palma Sparks Tensions

New Christmas Fair in Palma Sparks Tensions

Palma's pre-Christmas mood suddenly carries tinder. A privately organized event at Parc de Sa Feixina named “Christmas in Palma” is in the works and is turning longtime showmen and market traders against each other. The planned dates (November 21 to January 6) are already in the calendar; authorities and organizers provide only sparse information — enough for the rumor mill to bubble.

What the traders are concerned about

Many who have stood on the city's markets for decades speak of uncertainty and anger. “I built my stall for 25 years. Now I am being rejected — without explanation,” says a seller who wishes to remain anonymous. Others report fewer huts in Parc de Ses Estacions and that popular food trucks are disappearing. For some traders December is the most important month of the year; a bad winter fair hits them hard.

What particularly irritates the showmen is that the private fair apparently is modeled after North and Central European designs: about 61 huts, an ice rink, a stage, even a toboggan run — all in a Christmas Look & Feel. Some market traders view this as direct competition to public markets on Rambla, Plaça Major and at the train station.

The issue with fees and selection

Unlike municipal tenders, exhibitors at the private fair must pay the organizer. How high the stand fees are appears to be part of the negotiations — and that fuels distrust. “That smells like privatization,” says a vendor from Santa Catalina. “Who knows the criteria? No one tells us according to what scheme selections are made.”

The event website was online briefly, then unavailable again — that didn't reassure. Previous materials showed stalls with Alpine specialties, German-language accessories and local products. Those who think this excludes Mallorcan vendors are wrong: according to plan local food and crafts are also to be included. The question remains whether the long-standing participants will still be there on their terms.

Tension in the coming weeks

Some traders are already considering staying away this year entirely — out of fear of losses. Others speak of possible legal steps and want to join forces. On the streets of Palma the mood is noticeably downbeat. Pedestrians near Rambla note that the atmosphere this year feels different: less relaxed, more tense.

What matters now, the affected say, is transparency: clear criteria, fair fees, predictability. The Christmas season is short. For many here it's not just coziness but livelihoods. And that's why these discussions are about more than string lights and mulled wine: it's about income, traditions and respectful rules for all involved.

The city administration has been asked for a statement; a final list of market participants is still outstanding.