Else Beekman
Since 1999, the Balearic Federation of Balconing has recorded 386 incidents of ‘balconing’, a perilous activity where tourists leap from balconies, often under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This extreme behaviour is a byproduct of the mass tourism affecting Spain.
The federation uses dark humour and irony to raise awareness about the dangers of this activity and the broader issues of mass tourism.
Addressing the problem with satire
“The reality lately makes it very easy for us at the Balearic Federation of Balconing. I’m not just talking about the cases that update our rankings but also the news related to the tourist model that we suffer on our islands,” said comedian Irene Francolí, a prominent voice within the federation, in an extensive article for ElDiario. She pointed out that those offended by their humour often profit financially from this type of tourism.
Recurring issue
Despite efforts in popular vacation spots like Magaluf (Mallorca) to reduce “balconing” incidents, the problem persists. Jumping from balconies into pools or attempting to climb from one balcony to another often results in severe injuries or fatalities. Founded in 2022, the Balearic Federation of Balconing monitors and documents these incidents, blending humour with awareness.
Viral campaigns
A recent viral tweet by the federation humorously compared a bungee jump by British politician Sir Edward Jonathan Davey to “balconing”, with the caption, “These are their customs, and they must be respected…”. Such ironic comments help spread the message about the dangers of “balconing”. Francolí even took to the streets to ask English tourists if they had heard of “balconing”. This led to insightful and humorous responses.
Són es seus costums i s’han de respectar…https://t.co/5GoJ4ZeLcw
— Federació Balear de Balconing (@Botquebota) July 2, 2024
Reaching a broad audience
The federation employs a clever ranking and point system to document incidents. They award special prizes like the “Premio Mar Adentro” for the most absurd jumps and the “Barandilla de Oro” for repeat offenders. This approach, combined with sarcastic commentary, has successfully reached a broad audience, conveying a serious message in an accessible manner.
The grim reality
Behind the humour, the federation presents stark statistics. Since 1999, “balconing” has resulted in 104 deaths and 282 serious injuries, costing the public healthcare system millions of euros. These incidents highlight the broader issues of mass tourism. The last victim was an Englishman who fell from a first-floor balcony in Palma on 26 June, marking the 386th recorded “balconing” case.
Cultural differences
In 2018, British Consul Lloyd Milen suggested that Britons’ unfamiliarity with balconies contributes to the problem. The federation emphasises that cultural differences play a role in tourist behaviour, making awareness and education crucial to preventing such incidents. They challenge the Canary Islands to establish a similar organisation to address this dangerous trend collectively.
The broader issue of irresponsible tourism
Francolí argues that few dare to address “balconing” as a symptom of the broader problem of over-tourism. “We have allowed tourists to drink and urinate on the streets, creating a jungle that enables this behaviour. Those offended by our approach are often those who benefit from this type of tourism. Many on the islands have become slaves to this economic model. We must move away from the idea that we would starve without tourism. Now, we are reaping the consequences of this model. We have no houses left to live in. I think more and more young people are becoming aware of the lack of future prospects on the island where we were born. The record numbers of visitors must be curbed, or these islands will explode,” Francolí asserts.
¿Por qué los ingleses hacen balconing? Solo una forma de saberlo: preguntárselo a ellos. pic.twitter.com/HmSSSZpYZd
— Irene Francolí (@IreneFrancoli) August 3, 2023