Palma residents host street dinners to reclaim public space

Palma residents gather every Wednesday to dine in public squares, asserting local use against tourist overcrowding. Led by the Brunzit collective, the initiative draws hundreds and sparks debate among merchants and officials.

Origin of the initiative

The neighborhood collective Brunzit, inspired by the Mallorcan tradition of "sopar a la fresca," launched the campaign to reclaim local use of Palma’s city squares. The idea emerged as a response to the growing presence of terraces, shops, and services aimed mainly at tourists, which reduce the spaces where residents can gather without needing to consume.

Format of the dinners

Every Wednesday, hundreds of people gather in different city squares - such as Plaza Mayor, the area of the Seu, and plaza d’en Coll - to turn them into neighborhood diners for a few hours. Participants bring tables, chairs, food, and sometimes music and traditional dances, creating a peaceful and simple atmosphere that has generated great social media buzz. The call usually attracts around 500 people, though the exact number varies by square.

Community and authorities’ reaction

The initiative has sparked debate among local restaurateurs and business owners, especially when the dinners coincide with spaces usually occupied by terraces. Some property owners have expressed concerns about interference with commercial operations, while others see the proposal as a way to balance the economic weight of tourism with residents’ right to enjoy their spaces.

Debate on tourism and public space

The movement sits within a broader context of protests against the Balearic tourism model. From large-scale demonstrations to human chains in natural areas, Mallorcan residents have sought alternatives to reclaim coexistence in the most affected zones by overcrowding. The dinner campaign in squares is one of the most everyday and visible ways of this struggle.

Perspective of Menys Turisme, Més Vida

According to Dani Comas, spokesperson for the "Menys Turisme, Més Vida" platform, the main claim of the dinners is to reclaim places that, according to neighborhood groups, have stopped being primarily intended for residents. These dinners add to other protests held in recent months, reinforcing the demand for a more balanced and respectful tourism model.

Conclusion

The latest gathering took place in Plaza Mayor, where hundreds of attendees shared an outdoor meal accompanied by traditional music, reaffirming the importance of public space as a place of coexistence and not just tourism activity.