With the recent decision to ban bull-fighting in Catalonia, emotions have been running high with various protests around Mallorca in an attempt to invoke a similar ban on the island. Animal rights protestors from Anima Naturalis have been in Fornalutx over the past week objecting to the ‘Bull Run’ that happens every September. This tradition marks the start of the Fiesta of Fornalutx which celebrates its patron saint, La Mare de Deu (the mother of God).
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Since the plans for the redevelopment of stretches of Playa de Palma were unveiled to the public in August, concerns have been growing about the impact the plan will have on the residents of the area. Approximately 250 homes and more than 100 businesses are threatened with compulsory purchase and demolition.
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Tourism in Mallorca had a good month this July, with a 12% increase in spending recorded when compared to last years figures. The Balearic government is delighted with the news and has made efforts to ensure that the success continues into September and the winter season. A blitz on the UK press and media promoting Mallorca has been in force during August and it is hoped that the fruits of this will show in figures for tourism during the remainder of the year.
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For those who would like to purchase the cheaper tickets for next weekend's Elton John and Andrea Bocelli, there is good news! The Son Moix ONO stadium have just released 300 extra tickets for the concert, to be held on Saturday, September 4, 2010. A total of 200 tickets for €55 and 100 priced between €65 and €100 are now on sale at the desk of the Son Moix stadium. Better hurry!
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The Spanish Primera Liga football season starts this weekend, and Real Mallorca host their first game against the millionaires of Real Madrid. Mallorca have had a tough time of late as they were not allowed to enter into this year's Europa League because of financial difficulties. But with a new coach in the form of Danish ex-international Michael Laudrup, the team hope to start the season with a win.
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Today we have launched our new webcam that gives you a fantastic picture of Palma de Mallorca, the marina and the renowned Passeig Maritime. This image updates constantly throughout the day, so you can keep an eye on the weather, the movement of yachts in the marina, and even the cruise ships that come in and out of port each day (to the right of the picture).
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Palma de Mallorca has been chosen to host the start and finish of the Global Ocean Race 2011-12. This around-the-world sailing race is for 40 foot boats and will start on 25th September 2011 and is predicted to finish around the 10th June 2012.
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Thomas Cook has announced that it will be operating a weekly flight service from Southampton to Palma next summer. Flights will leave every Saturday from 28th May to 17th September and will be run using chartered planes from Flybe.
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Bad weather and the high cost of fuel are being blamed for low margins in the agricultural sector this year. Production is down for almost all crop and livestock in the Balearics, although the numbers employed in the industry remain steady at around 7,100 workers. The potato crop has been most affected with production down by a third when compared to last year.
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UK tour operator Cosmos have launched their 2010/11 winter programme to Mallorca. The addition of Mallorca to their winter sun destinations comes after their sister company Monarch announced that they would be running a flight schedule from London and Manchester to Palma this winter.
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The Ministry of Environment, Rural & Marine Affairs has issued a warning that the Pelagia Noctiluca jellyfish is back in Mallorcan waters. Commonly known as the mauve stinger, the jellyfish have been spotted off different parts of the coast of Mallorca. Whilst they do not appear to be congregating in one spot at the moment, the random sightings of the jellyfish means that bathers will have to be on their guard this weekend.
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Calvia Town Hall will be offering free Spanish lessons for foreign residents again this year. With 109 different nationalities living in the Calvia region, the local government are keen to encourage integration and see language courses as a useful and popular way to facilitate this.
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The threat of strikes is over now a deal has been agreed between the Spanish air traffic controllers and the management AENA. The union met with the airport management company late on Thursday evening and negotiations brought a deal that was acceptable to both parties.
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UK tour operator, Sun 4 U, has declared that it has ceased trading, and that customers should contact ABTA for further information. Sun 4 U operated mainly in Spain, and it is estimated that around 500 customers are currently in Mallorca. The company blamed the Icelandic volcanish ash cloud, and the collapse of their partner tour operator Goldtrail earlier this summer.
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Low cost airline Monarch has announced that it has included Palma in it's winter flying programme, and so joins Easyjet as the only two airlines operating direct year-round flights between Palma and the UK. The new service will operate from London Gatwick and Manchester throughout winter 2010/11.
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The union representing Spanish air traffic controllers (USCA) has announced that they will not call a strike in August. The decision comes after the Spanish prime minister Zapatero asked the union to act responsibly, given Spain's current economic situation. A spokesman for the union said that they understood the impact that a strike would have on hoteliers, airlines and others in the tourism industry, and the consequent damage to the economy.
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Palma City Council has launched three new wifi zones around the beaches of Palma - in Cala Major, Cala Estancia and Ciudad Jardin. These join the existing free wifi zones of Plaza Juan Carlos I, Parc de Levante, S'Escorxador Flassaders and the Cultural Center. In addition, the service is available in 24 public libraries in the city.
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The streets of Can Picafort were packed with thousands of fans who turned out for the Carl Cox and Friend’s concert on Friday night. Gates opened at 10pm, but it wasn’t until after midnight that the most of the people started leaving the streets, where groups had gathered to have their own parties, and headed into the sports arena to watch local and international DJ’s mix it up on stage.
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A fireman died yesterday whilst attempting to put out a fire in a bar in the s'Escorxador district of Palma City. 34 year old Alejandro Millán was married with a young son. He was fighting the fire with two colleagues when the roof caved in on them. It is thought that he removed his oxygen mask and inhaled poisonous fumes, which brought about a heart attack. Despite repeated attempts to resuscitate him at the scene, the emergency service were unable to save his life.
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The Balaeric Government has launched a campaign to bring more Brits to Mallorca, after seeing a 11% drop in numbers during the first half of 2010. The initiative, which has a budget of €1.5 million, will promote the island of Mallorca through advertising on UK radio and throughout the UK press. Agreements have been made with tour operators Tui, Thomas Cook, and airlines Jet2.com and Monarch/Cosmos, to promote specific interest holidays such as cycling and wildlife & nature.
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