Christmas celebration on Mallorca Island.

To an observer visitor, might call their attention some stickers in the shape of a bull or a donkey, which some drivers engage on the back door of their vehicles. Images with clear political connotations, although it may be strange to foreigners.

The bull was born in 1956, in conjunction with Manolo Prieto, as a commercial icon for the Veterano brandy of Osborne, a company from Puerto de Santa Maria, producing spirits since 1772. In addition to being used on the labels of the brandy, on the Spanish roads appeared black hoardings with the silhouette of a bull known as Toro de Osborne. Over time, this image has exceeded the scope of advertising, becoming a source of inspiration for artists such as Dalí or Almodovar. To the point, that with the danger of disappearing because of the rules governing advertising on the roads, the hoardings were declared part of the cultural and artistic heritage of Spain, in recognition of exceeding its initial advertising sense. All in all, made this bull a symbol of Spain, or rather a way of understanding the Spanish ration, somewhat folkloric.

The first Catalan donkey was designed by Eloi Alegre, commissioned by the Associació per al Foment de la Raça Asinina Catalana (Association for the Promotion of the Catalan Asinina Race), with the intention of promoting this donkey breed, native from Catalonia. This was the silhouette of a donkey. With which Jaume Sala and Àlex Ferreiro in 2004 decided to make stickers, that since then thousands of drivers have stuck on the back of their vehicles, as opposed to the Osborne’s bull and the idea of Spain which represents. Thus becoming a symbol for the Catalan nationalism claims. With the success of the Catalan donkey, came the lawsuits by copyright, between the initial designer and the stickers promoters, who modified the  original donkey design by removing the testicles and a small fringe.

On Mallorca, as a Catalan culture land, we find not only the stickers with the donkey or the bull, but lately has come about the silhouette of a demon, as a new symbol of our popular culture.

During 2008, the Balearic Islands have one of the highest population increases in Spain, reaching 1,072,844 inhabitants, which has led to an increase of 4.09% compared to last year. This increase is explained by the phenomenon of immigration, and the fact of having a relatively young population.

By islands in Mallorca there are 846,210 people registered, which has led to an increase of 3.92%. The greatest increases are in the Part Forana (the entire island except Palma), with a total population of 449,640 inhabitants, following the saturation of the municipality of Palma, which has 396,570 inhabitants. Palma continues to focus most of the economic activity and services, but may people choose to move to the towns and villages of Mallorca, despite having his job in the city. This phenomenon accentuates the access problems to Palma, where actions are planned to enhance them, not without controversy. Increasingly, the whole island behaves as the metropolitan area of Palma. It highlights the municipality of Escorca, where it has gone form 290 people to 276, despite being one of the largest on Mallorca, and Valldemossa with an increase of just one person. After Palma, the most populous municipalities are Calvià, Manacor and Llucmajor.

Menorca is the island that has had a lower growth, even from 2.44%, with 92,434 people registered, of which 28,904 are registered in Maó, the capital of the island, and 28,696 in Ciutadella de Menorca.

Ibiza has had a growth of 6.25% reaching 124,036 inhabitants, where the increase has been more remarkable is in Santa Eulària des Riu that for the first time has over 30,000 people and Sant Antoni de Portmany up to 21,082 inhabitants. But in absolute terms where the population has grown the most is in Vila (Ibiza city), which has reached nearly 47,000 people registered.

Finally, Formentera is the island with the highest percentage increase of the four islands, an 8.35% up to 9,147 people registered. On this island as in Ibiza, highlights the fact that the proportion of men is significantly higher than that of women, 7.85% in Ibiza and 12,5% in Formentera. Which it is explained by the significant presence of immigrants, from developing countries, mainly male.

The Balearic Islands have become one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. This is primarily thanks to its outstanding location, its mild year-round climate and, above all, the appeal of its captivating landscapes and white sandy beaches, where the Mediterranean never ceases to enchant visitors. Summer is the most intense period on the Balearic Islands, as this is when the tourist resorts fill up with thousands of visitors and famous stars from around the world, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere and meeting point for people who really want to enjoy their holidays.

The Balearic Islands are indeed four different realities, very close to each other at the same time. In Formentera and Menorca they have managed to preserve its natural environment, which is closely linked to the Mediterranean sea and hence includes a number of exceptionally beautiful beaches. In Ibiza in addition, we find a warm and tolerant atmosphere that makes after dark a unique and exclusive experience. Meanwhile in Mallorca, being the biggest of the four island we find a little bit of everything. The city of Palma de Mallorca stands with its historical legacy and cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as the charming villages inland and in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.

The accommodation available for your holidays in the Balearic Islands primarily consists of excellent-value 3 and 4-star hotels and apartments. Nevertheless, there is a wide range of all sorts of accommodation, with a variety of luxurious and exclusive hotels as well as budget options. July and August are the hottest months and this is when demand is greatest, meaning that prices are higher and there is less availability, so it is advisable to book well in advance if you plan to take your holidays in this period. The weather is also good in May, June, September and October, and during these months visitors can swim in the sea without the crowds of high summer. During the rest of the year it is worth bearing in mind that many hotels and other types of accommodation close.

Due to the Balearic Islands popularity as a tourist destination, there are many direct flights from most of the principal European cities, especially from Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.