Lily, a 24-year-old Argentine, has become a familiar figure on the streets of Palma, where she sings to fund her acting studies in Madrid. Without municipal permits, but with the respect of neighbours and police, her story is an example of perseverance.
For the past two months, the streets of Palma de Mallorca have had a new soundtrack. Lily, a 24-year-old Argentine, has turned the pavements of the city centre into her personal stage. Her goal: to save enough to move to Madrid in September and fulfil her dream of becoming a musical theatre actress.
It all started almost by chance. After a conversation with a street guitarist, she formed a duo that helped her overcome her fears. But “creative differences” pushed her to continue alone. “With the last of my savings, I bought the equipment and went out to sing,” Lily explains.
Music as a livelihood while waiting for paperwork
Currently, music is her only source of income. Lily is processing her documentation and the law does not allow her to work for someone else. The earnings are volatile: from 2 euros to a maximum of 80 on a good day. “It can be between 2 euros, and I’ve reached, I don’t know, 50, once 80, which was super crazy,” she recounts.
This instability makes it difficult to save for her studies, which she estimates will cost several thousand euros. “I’m very tight,” she admits. Nevertheless, she sees music as a “temporary support” until she regularises her situation and can “do more things to save up.”
No permit, but good relations with the police
Performing on the street has its complications. The Palma City Council has not granted new permits for street music for about two years, Lily explains. Despite this, she has never had problems with the authorities. “They pass by and greet me or smile, it’s like super good vibes, to be honest,” she says.
The key, according to her, is respect. She tries not to disturb with the volume or the nearby businesses, and frequently changes locations to avoid bothering the neighbours. “I know there will be people who don’t like it, but that’s part of living in the city, the common noise,” she reflects.
The dream of being an actress, closer than ever
Lily’s main goal is to dedicate herself to musical theatre. She sees Spain as a springboard to “move anywhere.” Despite the difficulties, her determination is firm. “If you’re anxious, if you’re uncomfortable, if you’re nervous, let that be a driving force to say, you know what? I’m going to do it, even if I’m anxious, nervous, scared, uncomfortable, and it’s going to work out anyway,” she declares.
For the residents of Palma, Lily is a reminder that talent and perseverance can flourish even on the pavements. Anyone who wants to hear her only has to stroll through the centre and follow her voice.
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