Water fight in front of La Seu: Red vs Yellow at Parc de la Mar

Water fight in front of La Seu: Red vs Yellow at Parc de la Mar

When the sun slowly sinks behind the cathedral and the breeze from the sea still carries a faint trace of salt, the Parc de la Mar becomes the stage for one of Palma's most delightful little traditions. From 5:00 p.m. onwards families, neighbours and tourists gather for the now familiar spectacle: Water Fight in Front of La Seu: Colorful Splashing at Parc de la Mar — two teams — the Reds against the Yellows — engage in a classic water fight, where there is less shouting than laughing.

The story behind it sounds like something out of an old novel: a feud between the noble families Canamunt and Canavall from the 17th century, which today ends not in blood but at most in soaked clothes. Instead of swords there are buckets, water pistols and occasionally an improvised water ramp. For the children it's an adventure; for older spectators it's a slice of summer they watch from the balustrade with an espresso in hand.

How the fight unfolds

The procedure is simple and deliberately low-budget: two teams, clear boundaries enforced by stewards and police, loud music and lots of good cheer. Water is the only ammunition, resupplies come in plastic buckets, and whoever is celebrated as the winner in the end is usually the one with the driest socks or the most creative battle plan. Safety comes first — the stone steps by the shore are slippery, so stewards make sure there is no roughhousing and that spectators keep a safe distance.

What gives the event its charm is the mix: tourists with cameras, locals in flip-flops, children running barefoot over the warm stones, and vendors offering aperitivos and cold drinks. You hear the splashing, loud giggles and occasionally a father calling his daughter back to the balustrade. On such a late summer evening Palma feels alive — not because of big events, but because of this small, anarchic joy that repeats year after year.

Why this is good for Palma

One could dismiss the event as pure fun. In fact it brings several advantages to the city: it strengthens neighbourhood bonds, fills the little street stalls and cafés along the paseo and creates a positive, light-hearted image of Palma in visitors' photos. At a time when many events are expensive and organised, this spontaneous, small-scale tradition is a refreshment — quite literally.

Moreover, the celebration uses public space in an appealing way: people meet outdoors, real encounters happen, and the cathedral remains a backdrop rather than a consumer. It's a form of culture that needs little logistics but releases a lot of social energy.

Tips for visitors

If you drop by spontaneously, do the following: wear old shoes or sandals, pack a change of clothes and don't forget a thin towel. For photographers: camera protection is a must — everything gets wet here. If you come with children, set a meeting point; amid the crowds and watery euphoria it's easy to get separated. Reusable bottles are also practical, as the small stalls happily sell refreshing drinks.

A small request on the side: be considerate. Don't bring glass bottles into the area, dispose of trash properly and make sure older visitors don't get swept up in the festivities. Then the water fight remains exactly what it should be: an uncomplicated piece of summer joy.

When the event is over, there are wet shoes, salty hair and the same riddle as always — who won this year? Usually those who laugh the loudest. And for those who prefer to stay dry: a short walk along the Paseo Marítimo is enough to warm up in one of the cafés.