The Osborne Bull, the only one in Mallorca, situated between Algaida and Montuïri, has become a symbol for advocating various causes in recent years. Once a mere advertising tool, the bull has increasingly been used as a platform for political and social messages, reflecting the growing concerns of local communities.
In this case, the bull has been used to voice opposition to the overcrowding of the island and the ongoing housing crisis in Mallorca. On Monday, the bull was found with graffiti that read: 'Rich foreign property buyers go to hell'. The message serves as a direct protest against foreign investors who are seen as contributing the island's housing problems.
The slogan has sparked significant attention, with some social groups, like SOS Residents, applauding the message. The group expressed their support on social media, applauding the use of the bull as a platform for their stance against the island’s gentrification.
The graffiti has been well-received by many, with hundreds of comments in support and over a thousand likes. But others expressed their frustration, with one person commenting, "And who is selling these houses to them?" and another adding, "Greedy Mallorcan sellers, you could also go to hell!"
This isn't the first time the Osborne Bull has been subject to such messages; it has previously displayed the colours of the LGTBI+ flag, the Palestinian flag, been painted entirely black, and even adorned with the colours of spring. Despite the varying messages, these acts of graffiti have managed to capture public attention every time.
Historically, the Osborne Bulls were a common sight on roads throughout Spain. In Mallorca, there were two of them, originally used to advertise Coñac Veterano, a product by the Osborne company. These bulls are massive, standing nearly 14 metres tall and covered in around 50 kilograms of paint. They became an iconic feature of Spanish landscapes, representing both a marketing tool and cultural symbol.
Today, only around 88 of these bulls remain scattered across the country, but the one on Mallorca's busiest roads continues to hold significant advertising value. While its role as a marketing symbol remains, its use as a platform for social commentary has also cemented its place in local debates about tourism, housing, and cultural identity on the island.
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CompoWhen did I say that anti tourist groups don't share the same sentiments? I'm talking about average everyday Mallorquin adults, (many of whom are actually benefitting greatly from foreign buyers and tourism). Not kids following a trendy topic.
Morgan WilliamsWith respect, knowing lots of mallorquíns does not support your statement that the anti tourism groups ‘ do not reflect the overwhelming opinion of adult Mallorquins’. It may be your personal experience with your circle of friends but that is all. The message to the world is that mallorquins do not want tourists. If that is not the case then mallorquines need to stand up and say so, but they are not.
Soon the rage will become furious ! The local people are too polite to hate you directly, but very soon they will ! Honestly i love this graffity ! Mallorca is primary their home..
CompoIt's not adults scribbling this graffiti. I know lots of Mallorquins. Closely. And I don't know one who would share the same sentiments. Not one.
Morgan WilliamsYou say “ It doesn't reflect the overwhelming opinion of adult Mallorquins though. Yet the media (particularly British tabloid media) has completely framed it that way”. What do you expect? You don’t have any data (or do you?) to support your first statement and the messaging is clear and so will be reported as such. If there was a ‘welcome tourist’ campaign running alongside, then maybe the media could report some balance. But there isn’t and the takeaway is “kill a tourist” (etc etc)
What is the main purpose of graffiti? To get attention. This one is no different. It's one or two kids hoping to get some media attention. Like "kill a tourist". It doesn't reflect the overwhelming opinion of adult Mallorquins though. Yet the media (particularly British tabloid media) has completely framed it that way. But Brits aren't the "rich foreigners" that buy most property here. It's the other 80+%. Brits used to buy mainly lower priced apartments. But that's in decline too. So it's questionable whether all the hyperbole will make any difference. Just another day in tabloid land.
It is those rich foreign property owners who pump most into the local economy through taxes, shops, restaurants etc. It would serve the morons who write this stuff right if all these rich people left for countries where they are welcome. Then watch Mallorca’s economy collapse. Focus on the gov that refuses to build affordable housing for local people and something positive might actually be achieved
The local government takes in over 300,000 euros on the sale of a 3 million euro property, I would imagine if even 1/3 of the land transfer tax was used for affordable housing it would go a long way to elevate the current affordable housing shortage.
Instead of prohibiting foreigners buying expensive properties… why not prohibit Mallorquins SELLING to those same foreigners?! Hypocrites and uneducated morons.
This paper does not miss a trick printing negative stories.