Palma after the crush: Where should the 2026 Christmas lights switch-on be held?

Guiding question: How can Palma prevent a crush like this year's at the next switching-on of the Christmas lights?

The images of early-evening streets packed around Plaça d’Espanya are still vivid: families with children, groups from the mainland and tourists jostling between market stalls, traffic lights and the "Ferry of Light." City officials say the police reacted when visitors briefly stepped onto a traffic lane of the Avenidas and thus restored safety. But was that just luck — or the end of a practical patchwork approach to large events in Palma's center?

Critical analysis

The starting point is clear: Palma's inner city is densely built, the Avenidas are major traffic arteries, and Plaça d’Espanya is a logistical bottleneck. A single focal point for the lights switch-on attracts crowds that at times far exceed a square's capacity. Police presence can avert immediate danger, but it does not answer the fundamental question: How will the city distribute crowds in future without flattening the festive experience?

What became visible: short-term reactions worked, long-term management less so. There were no clear barriers, no defined routes for emergency vehicles, no clearly visible communication (limits on visitor numbers, alternative meeting points) and no designated safety zones for families and older guests. Another issue is traffic management. When people get onto traffic lanes, a double danger arises — for pedestrians and for moving vehicles.

What's been missing in the public debate

There is a lot of discussion about the location, but rarely about the experience. Debating a new square does not automatically answer questions of accessibility, escape routes, noise levels or proximity to emergency access. Also underexposed is the role of the private sector. Restaurateurs, event organizers and Christmas market operators influence attraction points and should be involved in planning. And finally: digital tools. Live crowd tracking, capacity indicators and social media information are often missing from the conversation — but could noticeably improve crowd management.

A scene from everyday life

Imagine: It is early December, a cool breeze blows in from the sea over the Passeig Marítim, the aroma of roasted almonds drifts from a nearby snack stall. A busker plays on Plaça d’Espanya, parents lift children onto their shoulders, and at a bus stop older residents argue about the traffic chaos. A young woman scrolls through the city's notices on her phone but finds no reliable recommendation on where to move. This mix of festive mood and uncertainty is typical for Palma in the pre-Christmas period — and it can be eased with pragmatic changes.

Concrete solutions

1) Decentralized switch-on areas: Instead of a single hotspot, use several celebration sites simultaneously (e.g. Passeig del Born, Moll Vell, Plaça Major). Small ceremonies at different locations reduce crowding and preserve local atmosphere.
2) Time slots and ticketing system: Free, staggered entry windows for particularly popular zones. This could be done via a simple reservation or free timed tickets to spread arrivals and avoid dangerous peaks.