Balearic islands turn on each other as tourists from Majorca told ‘to go home’

Tyler Mitchell By Tyler Mitchell Jun25,2024

A wave of local tension greeted thousands of Mallorcan tourists who traveled to Menorca for the annual Festival of St John the Baptist, as residents of the upmarket island voiced their displeasure with the influx of visitors. 

The protest highlighted a growing sentiment of frustration among Minorcans toward overcrowding and disruptive behaviour.

This past weekend, approximately 20,000 Mallorcans made the short ferry journey to Minorca, a neighbouring Balearic Island. 

However, their arrival was met with hostility as Minorcans donned t-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as “Mallorquins Go Home” and “Catalans Go Home,” referring to residents from nearby Catalonia.

Ironically, the protests echoed sentiments recently expressed by Mallorcans themselves, who have been vocal against British and other foreign tourists in their own backyard. 

This time, however, Mallorcans found themselves on the receiving end of the anti-tourist backlash.

The protest was organised by Salvem Sant Joan (Save St John), an organisation advocating against the commercialisation and overcrowding of the St John festival.

A video also emerged in the local newspaper Ultima Hora showing Mallorcan tourists engaging in “balconing”, a dangerous activity involving leaping from hotel balconies into swimming pools. 

This reckless behaviour has resulted in numerous injuries and fatalities among young tourists in recent years, primarily involving British visitors.

A resident of the Minorcan resort of Cala en Blanes captured footage of young Mallorcans, aged around 15 or 16, jumping from a holiday chalet balcony into the pool below. 

Despite her attempts to dissuade them and a call to the police, the authorities stated they were powerless to act as the villa was private property. 

The resident expressed her concern that the situation could escalate if not addressed promptly.

The annual Festival of St John the Baptist, held in the medieval port of Ciutadella, is a major draw for visitors, attracting thousands to its vibrant celebrations. 

The highlight of the festival is the Caragol del Born, where over 100 elegantly-dressed riders enter the Plaça des Born and ride among the crowd, their horses rearing up on hind legs in a display of power and nobility. 

Despite its festive nature, the crowded square can become dangerous; during this year’s event, one person was injured.

The clash between Mallorcan tourists and Minorcan residents is part of a broader trend of anti-tourist sentiment in the Balearic Islands. 

In Mallorca, protests have been held against overcrowding, soaring property prices, and disruptive behaviour by tourists.

Joan Antonio Amengual, Mayor of the Calvia district, which includes the infamous party town of Magaluf, has emphasised a zero-tolerance policy towards unruly behaviour by tourists. 

In an interview with MailOnline, Amengual urged visitors to behave respectfully and abide by local laws.

“In your country, you cannot urinate in the street, walk around with alcohol, drinking as if there is no tomorrow or being half-naked, and the message is that it’s the same here. 

“Of course, all tourists are welcome to Majorca, but we are asking them to behave like they do at home,” Amengual stated. 

He stressed the importance of prioritising quality over quantity in tourism, advocating for family-friendly visitors over disruptive party groups.

Tyler Mitchell

By Tyler Mitchell

Tyler is a renowned journalist with years of experience covering a wide range of topics including politics, entertainment, and technology. His insightful analysis and compelling storytelling have made him a trusted source for breaking news and expert commentary.

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