A new cultural and tourist symbol has arrived in Palma. It is the Drac de na Coca, a crocodile sculpture that now floats on the lake at Parc de la Mar, right at the foot of the Cathedral of Mallorca, in the very heart of the city. This three-meter-long, 150-kilogram piece, created by artist Ricard Chiang, has been generously donated to the city and becomes part of Palma’s sculptural heritage.
The installation of the crocodile in Parc de la Mar recalls one of the most curious legends from Mallorcan folklore: that of the Drac de na Coca, a creature that, according to tradition, lived in Palma’s underground in the 17th century and spread panic throughout the city. Thanks to this artistic intervention, the myth comes back to life, this time in the form of a contemporary sculpture that blends history, art and tradition.
The mayor of Palma, Jaime Martínez Llabrés, officially unveiled the work, highlighting that “the Drac de na Coca is part of the soul of the city and now also part of its image”, and reminding that Palma aspires to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031. The sculpture is made with a special mortar designed to withstand seawater, is hollow inside, and anchored with stainless steel chains to ensure it remains stable on the water.
In addition to the mayor, the event was attended by the first deputy mayor and councillor for Culture, Javier Bonet; the general coordinator of Culture and Tourism, Fernando Gómez de la Cuesta; and the artist himself, Ricard Chiang, who expressed his excitement about contributing to the enrichment of Palma’s urban landscape.
A new attraction: a crocodile in Parc de la Mar
The Drac de na Coca at Parc de la Mar is not only a tribute to Mallorcan tradition, but also a new point of interest for visitors to the city. Located in a privileged setting, with views of La Seu and the seafront promenade, this figure joins Palma’s artistic and heritage route.
If you walk through Parc de la Mar, don’t forget to look at the lake: the Drac de na Coca crocodile awaits to remind you that in Palma, legend and culture are always alive.
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