Posters to ‘scare tourists away’

Mallorca has long faced tourist overcrowding, sparking various protests. In the 1970s, local activists discouraged visits through comics in the Neon de Suro magazine. This summer, signs were placed in coves discouraging bathing in English to combat overcrowding. Artist Santiago Sierra highlighted German influence on the island through banners. Historical critiques, like those by Màrius Verdaguer, have lamented the island’s tourism dependence. Before the pandemic, significant protests erupted, including a 2017 march of 3,000 people in Palma and a notable demonstration by the Arran movement in a restaurant.