International Day Against Violence Against Women: Two Rallies in Palma and New Night Rule at EMT

This evening on Mallorca's streets: a stand against violence

The international day of remembrance against violence toward women is not just a date on the calendar. In Palma today at 6:30 pm two demonstrations will start at the same time. Anyone moving through the city will notice immediately: the air smells of candle wax and hot coffee, and the city centre is full of purple scarves and placards.

The first group meets at Plaza España and will march from there along the main axes of the city. At the same time another procession starts at Plaça Porta Pintada and heads toward the city hall. Both routes are expected to converge around 7:30 pm — a quiet but tangible sign against domestic and gender-based violence.

I was briefly at Plaza España before the start: people are silent, speak softly, seek eye contact. Some carry signs demanding better protection measures, others have candles in thermal cups because it will be quite chilly this evening.

Actions also in other municipalities

Palma is not alone: in municipalities such as Consell and Alcúdia there are also vigils and information stands. Volunteers hand out flyers with information about support services and local counselling centres. The mood is determined, not hysterical — many want to make visible that this issue must be taken seriously on the island.

EMT expands night protection: Parada Violeta now also on line 25

The municipal bus company EMT reports a concrete change: the 'Parada Violeta' offer has been extended. Until now there was the option on four night lines (N1–N4) to get off between official stops if women felt unsafe. From today the rule is also active on line 25.

That means: women can ask the driver to stop at a safe point between stops — for example in front of well-lit squares or busy streets. Not a perfect solution, but another building block that can at least provide an additional sense of security at night.

What this means for those affected

Such measures are important but not sufficient. Many activists and staff at counselling centres demand more personnel, better prevention work in schools and faster access to legal support. Local helpers often report long waiting times and scarce resources.

If you join today: treat those affected with respect. Photos and social media posts should be handled sensitively — not every survivor wants to be made public.

An evening between mourning and hope

The evening in Palma will be a mix of mourning, anger and solidarity. Small gestures count: a lamp in the window, a message to a friend, sharing information about local support services. It quickly becomes clear: these are not just demands — it is a call to stay attentive.

Those who cannot attend the protest today will find small events in many neighbourhoods: informational events, stalls and discussion rounds. The message remains clear: violence against women must not become normal. And on Mallorca today many people are reminding others of that.