In Mallorca, there’s always something to do. In the summer, the towns are filled with fairs and festivals inviting participation, while in the winter, it’s the Christmas markets that draw people in. But that’s not all. There are numerous other events keeping the island lively with activity. One thing is for sure: the people of Mallorca never stop celebrating.
Calendar of Festivals and Events
January
1. 1. New Year’s Day (New Year’s)
5.1. Arrival of the Three Wise Men (Els Reis Mags) in Palma
16./17.1. Sant Antoni – Festival of Saint Anthony / Night of the Witches (Nit bruixa)
The largest celebration on this night is held by the residents of Sa Pobla. Huge bonfires are lit, and Mallorcans dressed as demons dance through the streets to drive away evil spirits. On the day of Saint Anthony, the protector of animals, pets are blessed, and here too the city of Sa Pobla plays a prominent role with its festivities.
19.1. Day of Sant Sebastià – (Saint Sebastian’s Day) in Palma
The Day of Sant Sebastià is celebrated in Palma over the course of a week. With live music in all the major squares of the capital, a barbecue, and a fire run, citizens celebrate the day of the patron saint.
Early January / Late February Almond Blossom
February
Carnival
For several days, carnival parades like “Sa Rua” and “Sa Rueta” (for children) weave through some towns on the island. Elaborate costumes and Spanish dance rhythms fill the streets of Mallorca with festive joy.
March
03/01. Balearic Islands Day (Day of the Balearic Autonomous Community)
The market stalls on the Paseo are open, and in the park, castellers (human towers) are built.
01.03. Return to Mallorca
The largest motorcycle tour around the island, with around 5000 motorcyclists participating. The starting and finishing point is Palma.
03/01 to 04/25/2016 Fira del Ram
The largest fair in Mallorca (Fira del Ram) takes place in Palma.
03/17/2016 St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in Santa Ponsa in honor of the Irish patron saint, St. Patrick. With live music, over 100 market stalls, traditional Irish food, and Irish beer, the saint’s day is celebrated all day long. In the afternoon, a procession of people dressed in green and decorated floats parade as part of the St. Patrick’s Parade.
April
Early April / Late March: Holy Week (Easter)/ Holy Week (Semana Santa)
Mid-April: World Folklore Festival in Palma
About 2000 dancers and musicians from over 30 countries perform in all the major squares of the metropolis.
May
2nd weekend of May: Fira de Sóller
The city festival of Sóller features a procession where the local residents participate in their traditional costumes. The celebration lasts an entire week.
2nd Monday of May: Moors and Christians in Sóller
The historic battle of 1561 between pirates and the people of Sóller is reenacted in the Port of Sóller (in the afternoon).
June
Corpus Christi (El Corpus):
The Procession of the Eagles (Processó de les Aguiles) in Pollenca is led by two girls in richly adorned eagle costumes.
Mid-June
Sant Joan Festival in some cities on the island.
July
16.7. Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Our Lady of Mount Carmel with maritime processions in almost all coastal towns of Spain. The ports are lit with torches, creating a romantic atmosphere at night. Everyone from afar, because there is a crowd of people at the port. Decorated boats sail towards the sea, often accompanied by an impressive fireworks display.
7/27 Start of the Week of Festivities of Saint Catherine of Thomas (La Beata) in Valldemossa.
August
Every Sunday: Chopin Music Festival
Music lovers can enjoy a classical music concert as part of the annual Chopin music festival at the Valldemossa Charterhouse. The concerts start at 10:00 PM. Works by composers such as Joseph Haydn, Claude Debussy, Ludwig van Beethoven, and especially Frédéric Chopin are performed by renowned international artists and young talents. The concert nights were initiated in 1930 by Joan Maria Thomàs in memory of the stay of composer and pianist Frédéric Chopin and his wife George Sand at the Valldemossa Charterhouse. Tickets cost around twenty euros.
2.8. Moors and Christians in Pollenca
The historic 1550 battle between pirates and the inhabitants of Pollenca begins around 7:00 PM near the Fuente del Gallo. Residents celebrate their annual victory until the early hours of the morning. There’s also a grand fireworks display at midnight!
First Saturday of August: Güell to Lluc on Foot
Approximately 18,000 people embark on a 48 km night walk from Palma to the Monastery of Lluc (anyone can join, although prior registration is required. Food is provided along the way. Those unable to continue can board the accompanying bus).
September
First Sunday: Procession in honor of Catalina Tomàs in Santa Margalida.
First weekend of September: Melon Festival
In Vilafranca de Bonany, the Melon Festival is celebrated. There’s a contest to find the largest melon. Naturally, the melons are also tasted.
14 days until the first Sunday of October: Oktoberfest in Mallorca
Last Sunday of September: Wine Festival in Binissalem
In September: Record Fair
The popular pop music market at the Palma exhibition center. In some cases, this event also takes place in October.
October
First Sunday: Blood Sausage Festival in Sant Joan.
Last Sunday: Fritter Festival in honor of Saint Ursula.
All of October: Oktoberfest The German Oktoberfest is also celebrated in Mallorca. Like many customs, this festival has also made its way to the island. With authentic pork knuckle, pretzels, and Bavarian beer, mainly German tourists celebrate their traditional festival, not at the Theresienwiese, but on the beach in Mallorca. It is mostly celebrated in Santa Ponça and Palma. However, it is not guaranteed that the festival will continue to be held in Santa Ponça.
October 22nd-23rd Record Fair
International pop music fair at the Palma Arena.
November
First Thursday: Son Ferriol Fair
The first Thursday of November is also called Dirty Thursday. The reason is the Son Ferriol Fair, an agricultural fair in the Son Ferriol neighborhood, featuring culinary delights.
Third Thursday: Dijous Bo in Inca
December
Christmas: Christmas in Mallorca
12/31. Estandart Festival
The Estandart Festival (Day of the Banner) is celebrated in Palma with magnificent fireworks and a popular festivity (in memory of the reconquest of Palma by King James I of Aragon and the victory over the Moors).
12/31. New Year’s Eve – New Year (Cap d’any)
Those who want to celebrate the arrival of the new year at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Palma should bring twelve grapes.
Fairs & Festivals
In the fall, the agricultural markets of Mallorca, known as Fires in Mallorcan and Ferias in Spanish, reach their peak. The absolute highlight of these traditional agricultural fairs is the “Dijous Bo” in Inca. The date is the third Thursday of November each year, which this year falls on 11/16. Around 200,000 people attend the Dijous Bo in Mallorca’s leather city. Special trains are set in motion from Palma. The early morning journey is relatively calm, as by 11 a.m. the city is bustling. The hustle and bustle lasts until about seven in the evening.
From the end of June to September, the Nits a la fresca & Festes d’Estiu in Mallorca are celebrated all over the island. The “Nights Outdoors” are a very special highlight for many village residents. The locals gather outdoors and celebrate together until the early hours of the morning.
The typical aspect of the Fires of Mallorca is the nature of a popular fair: strolling around, enjoying the hustle and bustle, meeting friends, and savoring food in traditional bars. In the agricultural markets, products mainly from local farmers and artisans are offered. Besides Mallorcan delicacies, you can find the best ceramics, flower bells (flowers under glass), siurells (clay figurines typical of the island), fans, embroidery, glass, baskets, leather, and tin items. Beware, not only high-quality products from the island are offered! Nowadays, many stalls also sell mass-produced items from Hong Kong.