Stallholders at Palma's traditional Christmas markets are angered by what they consider will be unfair competition from a rival market to be held in Sa Feixina Park.
A German businessman, who used to run a restaurant on the Paseo Marítimo, is behind the organisation of the market, which is being referred to as 'Christmas in Palma'. This market is due to run from November 21 to January 6, matching the period of the markets in Plaça Major, La Rambla and elsewhere, and will apparently have 61 stalls. There is said to be a northern European (German) inspiration and the stalls will be complemented by a stage and rinks for ice skating and sledding.
Among the stallholders at the markets organised by the town hall, there is deep discontent. They say that almost 70 stallholders have missed out this year because the number of stalls has been reduced by around twenty per cent. They now suspect they know why the town hall has made the reduction.
One says: "I've had the same stall for twenty-five years and I've never missed a year. The first year I had to bring my own stall, then they gave us wooden stalls, but all our merchandise got wet. We've worked for many years to liven up the market only to be treated like this now."
They are firmly of the view that the German market is going to compete with them. "And it's unfair competition. Nobody is going to want to come and see us." Some of those who have a stall arranged for this year are considering withdrawing because they fear serious financial losses. Joint legal action is being contemplated.