Most people want St Sebastian fireworks display to continue

PALMA
THE decision by the Palma city council to reduce the spectacular Aiguafoc firework display during the next festival of St Sebastian (the city's patron) in January has divided the townsfolk of Palma.

The new city council wants to give greater importance to the Correfoc, a parade through the streets in which people can run alongside fire-spouting demons and monsters.

The majority of people, however, have expressed their desire to see the event maintained exactly as it has been in the past.
Attracting 300'000 people from all over the island last year, the St Sebastian firework display is popular town because it is one of the few events which both children and adults can enjoy equally.

A minority of people, though, would like to see the duration of the display reduced.
It is not known exactly how far the Palma city council intends to downsize the event, with some fearing that it will feature solely a simple fireworks display.

In a random survey, Ramoni Ortega, a clerk from Palma, said, “I like the Aiguafoc spectacle a lot as it is now. I like it because of the reflections of the fireworks in the water, the mass of light and because it is special, although it is true that not everyone can see properly.” Baltasar Reynés, retired, said that it was a tradition he would not like to see changed, while Leopoldo Pérez, a lawyer, indicated that he enjoys the fireworks, but would like to see them smaller in size.

Students Francisco García and Lucía Verger both said that the evening is hugely enjoyable in its current form, stating that it is impossible not to have a good time; “why change it?”, asks Francisco.

On the downside, pensioner Aurelia Casas said she did not like the display because of the noise, but if it had to go ahead, she would like to see it shorter. She added that children in particular liked the show.

The general opinion of those interviewed echoed this sentiment, with people of all ages praising the event´s ability to include everyone.
However, whether this continues to be the case next year remains to be seen.