Palma de Majorca, Balearic Islands » Entertainment » Festivals

Like many other cities in Spain, Palma (Palma de Mallorca) also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some major festivals and events celebrated in Palma.

January

Procession of the Three Kings

Procession of the Three Kings is an annual festival in Palma de Mallorca. During this festival, the Three Wise Men or Kings arrive to distribute gifts to children. There is an ornate procession to celebrate their arrival. This is a family-oriented event ideal for small children. Three Wise Menor Three Kings ride into town on their camels and offer sweets and gifts to children.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian was proclaimed patron Saint of Palma. During the festival, concerts are held in the squares of the old quarter of the city. There are bonfires and barbecues at many places in the city.

February

Carnival

Each year, Mallorcans celebrate the beginning of Lent with carnival fiestas, parades and street parties. While most of the Mallorcan towns have their own carnivals, Palma enjoys the title of hosting the largest parties on the island. Carnival dates can fall in February or March, determined by the date of Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.

Sa Rua

This carnival is held in Palma on the last weekend before Lent. It is marked by bonfires, fancy dresses and processions of decorated floats in Montuiri. The carnival is also known as Darres Dies, which means Last Days.

March & April

Semana Santa (Holy Week)

A week of solemn Easter preparation begins on Palm Sunday when palm and olive branches are blessed at churches across the island before being taken home to adorn front doors. During Holy Week, there are processions every day in Palma. The giant procession is on Monday and Thursday. Other towns and villages have their processions too. On the evening of Good Friday, a figure of Christ is lowered from his cross in Pollenca and carried down the Calvany steps in silence. A similar event takes place on the church steps in Felanitx.

Angel Sunday

Angel Sunday is the Sunday after Easter. It is also known as Domingo del Angel. This festival is celebrated in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, with a procession, blessings and plenty of traditional food. It is one of the biggest fiestas of the year. In the 15th century, it was known as the Festividad del Santo Custodio de Palma. During this festival, hundreds of people walk from the town hall to the Castillo de Bellver, with musicians and people dressed as giants (losgiganticos). There are special games for children with food and music.

June

Nit de Foc

This is one of the most popular festivals in Palma de Mallorca. This annual festival is held in the Parc de la Mer during the fiesta of Sant Joan. During this period huge bonfires and spectacular fireworks display mark the beginning of Mallorca's series of summer fiestas.

August

Sant Agusti

Cavallets dance in Felanitx, with children dressed up as cardboard horses being chased by giants to the accompaniment of bagpipes, flutes and drums.

Pilgrimage of Sant Bernat

The pilgrimage of Sant Bernat takes place the day before Saint Bernard's day. The fiesta starts with a pilgrimage from the Placa de Cort to the Monastery de la Real. A traditional mass is followed by a sizable open-air celebration with plenty of folk music and dancing.

September

Mare de Deu de la Salut

This is one of the most popular festivals of Palma de Mallorca. The night before the Mare de Deu de la Salu festival, a huge procession is accompanied by colourful floral offerings and local folk music. On the day of the fiesta, a solemn mass in honour of the Virgin Mary takes place in the church of Sant Miguel, where an idol of Mother Mary is placed. The locals enjoy non-stop music and folk dancing at night.

December

Festa de l'Estendard

This festival is held on New Year's Eve. The Festa de l'Estendard festival commemorates the anniversary of the Christian conquest of the city by King Jaume I in 1229. A special mass follows a procession from the town hall at the stunning La Seu Cathedral.