Thousands in Palma Demonstrate for Palestine – loud but peaceful

Sunday in Palma: Voices, Flags, Street Blockades

On Sunday afternoon around 4 p.m., Plaça de les Columnes in Palma filled with a sea of people, flags, and loud chants. In the cool autumn air – a bit of wind rattling the banners – according to authorities several thousand demonstrators gathered to show solidarity with Gaza's population.

Mood and Demands

The atmosphere was tense but mostly peaceful. Many wore keffiyehs, children held self-made signs, from a few loudspeakers Arabic music played, then again rallying slogans. On banners were words like “Stop the violence” or harsh accusations against international policy; several female speakers called for tougher measures against what they describe as military action.

The organizers came from local solidarity groups and student associations. They also reminded of imprisoned activists who were recently linked to a private aid operation, and demanded their release. Several voices on the plaza criticized Europe's reaction as too passive.

Course and smaller incidents

The march headed toward Plaça d’Espanya and later to Plaça Joan Carles I. Because of the demonstration, the avenues were temporarily closed; drivers stood at barriers and swore, bus lines were diverted. The police were present with a clearly visible deployment and checked bags at some entrances. In two situations the mood escalated briefly: in front of a fast-food restaurant there were vocal demands to close it, at a party headquarters insults flew—both remained verbal and were calmed by security forces.

A small group lit a cardboard effigy reminiscent of a US aircraft carrier anchored offshore; smoke rose, the crowd chanted, then officers extinguished the flame before it grew bigger.

A closing with a moment of silence

The rally closed in the evening on Plaça Joan Carles I with speeches, a few songs, and a moment of silence for Gaza's victims. Representatives from unions, student initiatives, and civil society groups stressed that the action should serve as a sign of growing solidarity on the island.

Although the event was described as the largest of its kind in Mallorca, larger acts of violence did not occur. For residents and tourists it was an impressive, sometimes disturbing afternoon – and for the city administration a logistical problem that lingers.