Christmas Market in Sa Feixina: Ice Rink, Reindeer Slide and Noise Dispute

Christmas Market in Sa Feixina: Ice Rink and Reindeer Slide Open — but Quiet Remains Contested

A market, atmosphere and tougher rules for music: how does that fit together?

Yesterday the Christmas market in Parc de Sa Feixina in Palma was officially opened. Stalls are now open daily from 12:00 to 21:30, with an ice rink and an attraction billed as a “reindeer slide” drawing visitors. The scene: rows of stalls between palm trees, strings of lights along the paths, a few families sipping hot chocolate in the cool evening air — and residents who have been protesting for a long time.

The planned event did not come without conflict. After massive complaints from the neighbourhood, the city agreed to dispense with continuous loudspeaker announcements. Music is now only permitted on Fridays and Saturdays from 19:30 to 21:30 and must not be audible outside the park. A strict ban on music applies to the individual attractions.

Key question: Can a centrally located Christmas market in Palma be organised to be lively for visitors and tolerable for local residents at the same time? The tight conditions on music use show that the city is trying to strike a balance — but practical questions remain.

Critical analysis: The rule that music must not be audible outside the park sounds simple on paper. In reality, the acoustic conditions at Passeig Marítim and around Sa Feixina are complicated. Sound carries especially well over water surfaces and wide promenades; wind direction and evening activity at the harbour can amplify propagation. Without clear measurement points and regular checks, it is hard to verify compliance. Also, the ban on music at attractions creates an odd contrast: an ice rink thrives on atmosphere, and many visitors expect background music — which is now only possible in very limited time windows.

What is still underdiscussed in the public debate are the technical implementation and control questions. Who measures the volume, who documents violations? Are there fixed decibel limits in the permit, and how are individual operators instructed? Also little noticed is the burden from setup and teardown as well as waste logistics — in an inner-city park the daily coming and going of suppliers and technical equipment can create additional strain for residents.

A small everyday scene from Palma: early in the morning before the market, vendors are already moving about with blankets and boxes, two older women sit on a park bench quietly discussing the lighting, a delivery van parks just behind the palms, and in the distance you hear seagulls and the clack of bicycle bells. It is these quiet moments that residents want to protect — so their resistance is not merely pointless grumbling, but an expression of concrete everyday concerns.

Concrete solutions that should now be on the table: first, fixed decibel limits with a clear measurement method and publicly accessible measurement protocols. Second, stationary noise sensors at the park edge that automatically deliver data to the city. Third, clear signage for operators and visitors that visibly states the permitted times and rules. Fourth, a resident contact, hotline or designated person who can respond immediately to violations. Fifth, technical measures: directional speakers aimed inward and sound-absorbing shields placed behind sensitive residential areas.

In addition, organisers could consider alternatives: more light installations, small acoustically low-impact live acts in strictly regulated slots, or interactive children's attractions that work without amplification. Such measures preserve atmosphere without endangering night-time peace.

Punchy conclusion: The Christmas market in Sa Feixina has potential, but it symbolises a wider challenge in Palma — how to enliven city life without overwhelming the people who live there. The current music restrictions are a step, but they are not a guarantee on their own. Those who want to permanently reconcile quiet and visitor enjoyment here must rely more on transparency, technical controls and communication — otherwise a festive offer risks turning into an ongoing conflict.