The people of Mallorca foster a long tradition of smuggling and similar activities of concealment.

For one, the island has a strategically important position not too far from the Strait of Gibraltar, separating the Atlantic Ocean from the Western Mediterranean Sea. Also, the island has a superb lineage of famous cartographers who knew the seas and in particular, the coasts like no one else.

In the 14th century pirates from North Africa and Saracens from Turkey competed with the Mallorcans for dominance in holding trade ships to ransom, until Corsairs were sponsored by state, king and crown.

Smuggling and contraband activities were particularly rife during the Twenties and Thirties when the State tobacco monopoly was heavily undermined by figures such as Mallorcan Joan March Ordinas, effecting state revenues in Spain and in the whole of the Mediterranean region. Banca March was founded in 1926 from the gains of such frivolities, and Spanish dictator, Generalissimo Francisco Franco benefited a great deal from March’s financial assistance. But, as we all know the Generalissimo is still dead.

The photo was taken near Can Picafort, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: September 16th, 2008. The time was 14:22:17.