Popular festivals and traditions

The eve of Sant Antoni Abad, on 16 January, is celebrated in several towns of the island. Sant Antoni Abad is the patron saint of animals. It is a daytime festival even though it often continues late into the night. The festival centres on the “dimonis” (devils) who rise out of hell to take the town and have fun with the people on the streets. When the sun sets bonfires are lit. People grill the best local sausages and meat, dance around the bonfire and sing the popular “gloses”. With a bit of luck they receive the visit of a hungry “dimoni”. Sa Pobla is the town with the greatest tradition of celebrating the Festival of Sant Antoni. The festivals of Artà, Sóller and Muro are also very popular. The next morning, on Sant Antoni Day, floats and all kinds of animals parade through the towns. They gather at the town squares, where the town priest blesses them. It might well be one of the most typical festivals of Mallorca and a pleasure for visitors. The festival taking place in Pollença is also outstanding. It is held in Plaça Vella and has the added bonus of the traditional climb up the “soaped pine tree” (pi de Ternelles). The event consists of cutting down a huge tree, soaping it and trying to get to the top. It is a very entertaining event for those who gather at the square.

The festival of San Sebastián, patron saint of Palma is also held in January and is similar to the Festival of Sant Antoni. On 19 January, the eve of the San Sebastián, the streets of Palma fill with bonfires, concerts in all the main squares and other kinds of activities and shows. One of the most interesting events is the firework display at the Parc de la mar. The combination of fire and water in a fusion of colours and murmurs is an impressive sight. San Sebastián Day, on 20 January, is a public holiday in Palma. A number of institutional events are organized with the presence of the “Gegants de la ciutat” (the city giants).

On the last two weeks of February, “Sa Rua” is celebrated in all the towns of Mallorca. It is a carnival parade that fills the towns and cities with colours and happiness. The floats are made by neighbourhood associations and the general public who start designing them weeks before the parade. “Sa Rueta”, a children’s version of “Sa Rua” is the main event on Saturday.

The processions on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday in Sineu are very interesting. They are very spectacular even though processions are held in all the towns of Mallorca. Felanitx is famous for its Good Friday celebrations: the descent of Christ from the cross. The most traditional processions in Palma take place on Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday, when the Christ of the Holy Blood goes on procession. At Easter it is typical to eat meat pies and “rubiols”, especially on Easter Sunday or Angel Sunday, although these pastries and sweets are so delicious that they are now traditionally ate throughout the Holy Week.

The reenactment of the battle between the Moors and island’s inhabitants takes place in Sóller on the second Monday of May. The battle ends in a victory for the people of Sóller. The reenactment is a version of how the battle is believed to have taken place.

The Eve of San Juan, on 23 June, is a magical night. It is the shortest night of the year. Bonfires are lit and rituals are performed on the beaches since there is the popular believe that fire has purifying properties. The party goes on in the Parc de la Mar of Palma with the celebration of the traditional “aiguafoc” (fireworks) at midnight. Each town celebrates the festival in their own way following their traditions.

The reenactment of the battle between Joan Mas and the invading pirates takes place in Pollença on 2 August, coinciding with the Festival of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles.

The “Revetla de les Verges” (festival of the virgins), one of the most popular festivals, is held on 20 October. At night young men gather on the streets to court young women. They eat a great number of potato “bunyols” and drink sweet wine. This charming festival takes place on the Eve of Santa Úrsula. Bands and groups of young men play music and sing to court the most beautiful girls.

The Festival of la Beata is celebrated in November. It consists of a parade with folk bands from all over the island and a girl (a different girl is chosen each year) representing “la beateta”. She rides in the royal carriage accompanied by little angels. It commemorates the life of Santa Catalina Tomàs, a Mallorcan saint. The festival is very popular in Valldemossa, where Santa Catalina was born.

During Chistmas, the streets of Mallorca fill with the typical lights of the season. The streets are decorated to announce the most endearing celebrations of the year. In addition, it is a tradition to build large nativity scenes to exhibit them. The Festival of l’Estendard takes place in Palma on 31 December. It commemorates the conquest of Palma by King Jaume I. Several events are celebrated in plaça de Cort, the Town Hall square. Additionally, it is a tradition to welcome the year eating the twelve grapes by the emblematic olive tree in Plaça de Cort. The Town Hall clock, called en Figuera, strikes the hours.