Changing Times for Majorca March 3rd, 2009

    Beginning during the Spanish Civil War, and since hundreds of years prior, into antiquity, Majorca has had to fight in defense.  Being and island, attacks happened from all sides.  Majorca had to defend itself throughout much of history.  Now known as a popular tourist site just off the coast of Mainland Spain, with beach resorts, and 5 star hotel Majorca, and spas, this islands history is hard to imagine.  As early as 124 BC the island has been occupied.  Under the rule of Italy the economy did flourish.  Majorca is still known for its production and cultivation of olive trees, wineries and salt mines.  Then, in 534 the island was overtaken by the Byzantine Empire.  Churches were built during this time, and it was a period of religious transformation, as most of the churches were of the Christian faith.  Beginning in the early 7th century the island was being attacked by armies from various Muslim countries, Africa being the main invaders.

    The list of wars and invasions goes on and on.  From the development of industry, agriculture, tourism, and irrigation this island has overcome the history of turmoil.  In 1983, the city of Palma, located on the island of Majorca, became the capital city of all the Balearic Islands.  Since the early fifties, tourism has increasingly flourished.  What was once an island of chaos and war, is now a destination sought out and ventured to by all of Europe, and the rest of the world as well, as a place of tranquil beauty and peaceful summer days.  Tourism has changed the local colour of the island in that more people are visiting, and more people are moving to Majorca in search of jobs in the booming industry.  Traditions are still held, local festivals dating back to paleolithic times are still celebrated, but it is all just a bit more economically driven.  And now, instead of invaders traveling from such countries as Italy, South America and Africa, there are workers from such countries, seeking jobs and a peaceful way of life that had for so many years, alluded those living on the island. Now days, there are the resorts and the restaurants and shops, offering up to summer and winter vacationers, strolls through the towns, the beaches and the vast landscape.

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