Festivals in Mallorca

So many in fact that a whole book could be written about them. Yes, Mallorcan’s love to party – it’s almost as if any excuse will do to have fun!

It’s a wonderful experience to arrive in one of Mallorca’s little picturesque towns and witness the streets decked in bunting, people dancing in traditional costume, a band playing in the square, giant carnival puppets parading, and stalls selling various goodies at fiesta time.

Many fiestas have a religious theme, but various secular themes are popular too, as well as art and music events. So here is a ‘selective’ monthly guide to some of the best festivals you can enjoy during your stay in Majorca.

January may not be the warmest month in Mallorca but there’s plenty of warmth amongst the residents as they begin the celebrations with the Three Kings (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos.)

Here, on the eve of the Epiphany, beautifully decorated floats parade through many of Mallorca’s towns to commemorate the three wise men who followed a star to witness the birth of baby Jesus. Bonfires are lit and the locals party hard in fancy dress.

Next comes the Blessing of Saint Antony (Beneides de Sant Antoni) which celebrates the patron saint of animals and rural jobs. Fun parades are everywhere and farmyard animals are paraded through the streets to be blessed by the saint.

One of Palma’s biggest festivals completes the trio of January celebrations in the form of Feste de Sant Sebastia, the capital city’s patron saint. Entertainment is laid on and often includes internationally renowned acts. At Balearic Villas, this is our favourite fiesta of the whole year!

One festival not to miss in February is Sa Rua, where the week before Lent sees several towns and villages around Mallorca get into carnival mood. Expect parades, merry-go-rounds, concerts, and of course, much jolliness!

March and April play host to a significant number of festival events as part of the build up to Easter. For Holy Week, or Semana Santa, things get under way in Palma on Maundy Thursday where an icon of the crucified Christ is paraded through the streets. On Good Friday there are solemn processions in Mallorca’s towns and villages, most particularly in Pollenca. And on Easter Sunday there are special services being held in many of the island’s churches as well as in Palma’s magnificent cathedral.

On a more secular note, Pollenca holds its annual wine fair on the third weekend in April. A great opportunity to become a connoisseur of the excellent Mallorcan wines.

As you can imagine, with Mallorca being an island, the sea plays a big part in local culture. In the first week of May, The Palma International Boat Show comes to town in the fabulous setting of the city’s marina.

The middle of May also sees the first of several mock battles between The Christians and The Moors in Soller. Fireworks, fancy dress, and lots of hard partying are the order of the day.

One spectacular festival held in Palma in June is The Nit de Foc (Night of Fire) to mark the beginning of Mallorca’s summer festivals. Held in the Parc de la Mer opposite the cathedral, giant bonfires and firework displays attract revellers from all over the island.

In addition to various local events, the month of July hosts two popular festivals that are well worth a visit. Every two years the gorgeous town of Soller hosts the Sa Mostra International Folk Festival. Equally picturesque Valledemossa pays homage to Santa Cataline Thomas, Mallorca’s patron saint and one time Valledemossa resident.

The biggest and perhaps best Christians v Moors mock battle is surely La Patrona. Held in August in Pollenca, this is not for the faint hearted – these guys take it very seriously indeed and things can get a little heated at times. But it’s all part of the fun and children love it.

Another highly popular event is the annual Binissalem Wine Festival held in September to celebrate the area’s grape harvest. Special events include a grape treading competition, a full-on grape fight and a delicious giant paella. Lots of music and parades too.

One of Mallorca’s more interesting festivals has to be Festa d’es Butifarra. Held in Sant Joan in October, gourmet lovers must not miss this one as it is dedicated to the local black pudding!

Continuing in foodie mode, November is host to a pumpkin fair, a honey fair, an olive fair and a mushroom fair. Mallorcan’s do take their food seriously.

December naturally features a bevy of popular Christmas-related festivals including Nativity plays. And finally the year ends with a range of fabulous New Years Eve parties held all over the island. Enjoy.