Palma switches on Christmas lighting — change of venue, sparkle and the cost of the lights

A new chapter — and a clear question

This year everything is a little different: the traditional switching on of Palma's Christmas lighting is moving to Plaza España for the first time. More space, less crowds and spotlights dancing over the square. Pleasant to look at, without question. But at the same time the guiding question remains: Is this spectacle — with a budget of almost €1.9 million — really the most sensible signal Palma can send at the start of Advent?

What the show promises — and what it costs

The city has announced a roughly 35‑minute show: music, acrobatics, artificial snow, a countdown and in total about 3,350 lights as well as around 614 kilometres of garlands that are said to connect the streets and squares. Start is on Saturday at 7:00 pm. For visitors this may sound like a welcome start to the Christmas season: the smell of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine in paper cups, the clatter of the tram and the distant ringing of the cathedral mix together — Palma's Advent always has something bustling and warm-hearted.

Nevertheless: €1.9 million is a number that stings in budget debates. It's worth looking more closely instead of just marveling. How is the money distributed? How much goes into technology, how much into artist fees, how much into electricity and logistics? These details were allegedly not communicated one hundred percent transparently in advance — a point the city could improve on.

What is often left out of the public discussion

In the anticipation of lights and show another topic easily disappears: sustainability. 614 kilometres of garlands and thousands of light sources sound impressive — but how energy efficient are the installations really? Will the lights be reused after the festive year or purchased new every year? And: how much does the event burden traffic and residents in the immediate vicinity of Plaza España?

Another point that is rarely discussed loudly: the opportunity for the neighbourhoods. The city emphasizes that this time all districts will be lit — an advantage. But how are quality and effort distributed? Small local festivals in Son Gotleu, Portixol or El Terreno could create as much local quality of life with a fraction of the funds if planning were more participatory.

Concrete opportunities and proposals

This is not criticism for criticism's sake. Palma could use the Christmas lighting as an opportunity to achieve more across the city — while at the same time improving costs and sustainability. Some concrete suggestions:

Budget transparency: Publish a detailed breakdown of the costs: technology, artists, logistics, electricity. Citizens have a right to know what their money is being spent on.

Sustainable technology: Rely entirely on long‑life LED systems and modularly constructed decorations that can be reused in following years. Mandatory checks for energy consumption and possible solar support.

Decentralized participation: Allocate part of the budget to neighbourhood projects — for example light installations by local artists, competitions for neighbourhood initiatives or smaller cultural budgets for Christmas markets in the barrios.

Transparent sponsorship models: More partnerships with local businesses, clearly labeled and without sole dependence on the municipal budget. This can reduce costs without watering down the event.

Post‑season sustainability report: A public report documenting energy consumption, costs and reuse plans — so that next year's discussion is based on facts.

A personal view — atmosphere on site

Those who come to Plaza España in the evening still experience the familiar atmosphere: the rustle of paper bags with chestnuts, laughter from groups, the light whistle of the tram wind as it passes the stop. At 6:00 pm the mood is often already good. The lighting on the large square can this year create space for families with prams who previously felt claustrophobic in the crowds of the old town. That is a real gain — if it is properly contextualized and combined with clear, efficient processes.

Conclusion: sparkle with responsibility

Palma's decision to move the switching on of the Christmas lighting to Plaza España brings practical advantages and pretty pictures. At the same time the high amount of almost €1.9 million is a legitimate challenge to politics: more transparency, more sustainable technology and stronger involvement of the neighbourhoods would make the celebration not only brighter but also fairer. The city has the opportunity to make more of the sea of lights than just an event — namely a model for responsible, citizen‑oriented festivities.

Small recommendation: If you go: wear a warm jacket, come early, enjoy the smell of sugar and chestnuts — and feel free to ask how the project is financed. The best city debate often starts with a cup of mulled wine and a curious question.