The second protest against tourist overcrowding in Sóller, called under the slogan 'Sóller, al límit', gathered several hundred people this Saturday, a figure significantly lower than previous mobilisations following violent incidents and graffiti at a real estate agency.
The second protest against touristification in Sóller fell far short of the expectations of its organisers. The march, which started at 10:00 from the plaza dels Estiradors and went through the streets of Santa Teresa and Sa Lluna to the Town Hall, brought together several hundred people (around 2,000 being very generous, according to official sources), a figure noticeably lower than previous protests against tourist overcrowding.
The reduced turnout comes after the serious incidents recorded in previous protests and the dissemination of aerial images showing groups of protesters throwing bottles, stones, sticks and barriers at police officers. The spread of these images has generated significant social rejection and led many people to distance themselves from any call that could see violent episodes repeated.
In contrast to those who chose to participate, numerous locals and Mallorcans decided to take advantage of the day for other plans, favoured by the high temperatures of the day. The atmosphere was also affected by the series of incidents recorded in recent days, especially the graffiti that appeared on the façade of the real estate agency Tolo Oliver, popularly known as 'Ximet', just hours before the protest.
The owners of the real estate agency, whose activity is focused on clients from the municipality itself, expressed their bewilderment at what occurred. The Civil Guard is investigating these events, which add to other vandalism acts recently recorded in Sóller and Deià and which have been condemned by the Govern.
The organising entities denounced during the march the alleged "degradation" that, in their opinion, is caused by the touristification of the municipality. Among their demands are measures against the excess of visitors and real estate pressure, although the atmosphere of the protest was marked by the debate over the line that separates legitimate protest from violent or vandalistic behaviour.
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