Fiestas

Mallorca is famous for its vibrant local fiestas, deeply rooted in traditions and celebrated across the island throughout the year. These festivals showcase the island’s history, culture, and religious customs, often featuring lively parades, traditional dances, and elaborate re-enactments.

January and February: Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastià

The year kicks off with Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastià festivals in January. Sant Antoni, patron saint of animals, is celebrated with bonfires, parades, and the traditional dance of demons (dimonis). The town of Sa Pobla is especially known for its grand Sant Antoni celebrations. Following closely is Sant Sebastià, Palma’s patron saint, honored with concerts, bonfires, and fireworks across the capital. In February, the Fira de la Flor d’Ametler (Almond Blossom Fair) in Son Servera marks the blossoming almond trees, turning the landscape into a sea of pink and white. This fair is a showcase of local produce and crafts, with almonds taking center stage.

Spring: Easter, Es Firó, and Medieval Markets

Easter is a major event in Mallorca, known as Semana Santa. Towns like Palma host elaborate processions, while many inland villages hold their own religious events. The festival brings together tradition, spirituality, and community. One of the most famous spring festivals is Es Firó in Sóller, held in May. It re-enacts the historical battle between the local townspeople and Moorish pirates, complete with mock battles and colorful costumes. Meanwhile, the Capdepera Medieval Fair turns the historic town into a medieval wonderland with artisan markets, street performances, and period costumes.

June: Sant Joan and Sant Pere

June brings the Nit de Sant Joan (Saint John’s Night), one of the island’s most magical celebrations, welcoming the summer with bonfires and beach parties. Palma and other coastal towns hold vibrant events where locals and visitors alike gather to celebrate this ancient tradition of renewal and purification by fire. In late June, the Festes de Sant Pere (Festival of Saint Peter) pays homage to fishermen. This festival, celebrated in coastal towns like Port d’Alcudia and Port de Sóller, features processions of fishing boats, fireworks, and plenty of seafood.

Summer: Music, Moors, and Christians

As summer unfolds, the festival calendar intensifies. La Patrona de Pollença in August is a highlight, where locals stage another re-enactment of the Moors and Christians battle, filling the streets with lively parades, music, and dancing. Meanwhile, the Festes de Sant Jaume in Alcúdia and Manacor celebrate Saint James with fireworks, concerts, and street parties. July and August are also peak times for music festivals, such as the Deià International Music Festival, which attracts classical music lovers from around the world. For those who prefer something more active, the Des Güell a Lluc a Peu is a nighttime pilgrimage from Palma to the Lluc Monastery, covering over 50 kilometers of scenic countryside.

Autumn: Harvest Celebrations

As the summer fades, the island embraces harvest festivals. Festa des Vermar in Binissalem is dedicated to the grape harvest, featuring wine-tasting events, grape stomping, and even a grape battle. The Firo del Meló (Melon Fair) in Vilafranca de Bonany is another quirky festival, celebrating melons with competitions for the largest melon and inventive melon-based dishes.

These are just a few highlights from Mallorca’s packed fiesta calendar. Each village and town celebrates its own patron saints and agricultural fairs, ensuring that there’s always a celebration somewhere on the island. These events offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience Mallorcan culture, often blending history, religion, and community spirit with music, food, and fun. Whether it’s fireworks lighting up the night or the sounds of traditional Mallorcan music, the island’s fiestas are an essential part of its identity and charm.