Festive blues

WHEN is a Christmas market not a Christmas market?  The simple answer is when it doesn´t sell Christmas gifts or decorations. So in the centre of Palma´s Plaza España we have a Christmas market which is about as festive as a tourist resort during the winter months! The market is certainly well set out with neat little stalls but you will be shocked to find that there is not a father Christmas in sight. Infact it looks very similar to  the markets which are set-up in Palma for other celebrations such as Balearic Day. The city council should be ashamed. Surely, if they are going to give the necessary permissions for a Christmas market they should ensure that it lives up to its name. Infact this market is one of the centerpieces of the city council´s festive campain. Surely, if  the city council wants the good  people of Palma and elsewhere to spend their hard earnt cash in Palma they could at least make an effort to ensure that there is some festive fun. Infact, two weeks ago in this space I said that Palma lacked Christmas spirit and no-one appeared to be making much of an effort despite the fact that it is a make or break period for many retailers.  The Christmas lights are first class  but really that is about it. Retailers also need to get their act together because otherwise they are going to face a tough new year. Make Palma festive and people might spend but I left the Christmas market in Plaza España empty handed. So take not please and bring on Santa!