Popular festivals in the Balearic Islands

Discover the vibrant festive culture of the Balearic Islands! From the majestic Moors and Christians battle in Majorca (Es Firó of Sóller) and Minorca’s unforgettable Jaleos on horseback (Sant Joan of Ciutadella as the central event) to the fire celebrations of Sant Antoni and the mystical Chant of the Sibyl (UNESCO Heritage).

These celebrations, often tied to patron saints or historical commemorations, feature processions, giants, traditional music (like the xeremies), folk dances, and fireworks, offering a unique immersion into the soul of each island.

it is celebrated in almost every town and city throughout the archipelago. At night on the 16th people ignite bonfires in the streets and squares and they cook typical products on the embers (sobrasada, butifarrón, sausage, bacon …). Fire is very present in popular festivals as a symbol of purification and through it the triumph of good over evil. The farmworkers entrusted Sant Antoni to avoid the bad harvests and protect the animals. On the 17th of January, Saint Anthony’s day, farm animals and pets are brought to be blessed.

Patron saint of Palma, a relic of the saint is kept in the cathedral, it is said that with the arrival of said relic in Mallorca, a plague epidemic ended, saving the population. Free concerts are held at night in all the most important squares of the city. There are also fires and demons. Demons are also present at almost all parties, they go through the streets with firecrackers and fires accompanied by batucadas. People dance around them, you have to wear suitable cotton clothing and covered hair, as sparks fly from the fires and firecrackers. The devil represents temptations. 

It is celebrated in all towns. These are the last days in the Catholic tradition that meat can be consumed before Lent. Celebrate the end of the hardest days of winter. People dress up, there are concerts in the squares and “La Rua” costume parades are held.

It is celebrated in all towns. These are the last days in the Catholic tradition that meat can be consumed before Lent. Celebrate the end of the hardest days of winter. People dress up, there are concerts in the squares and “La Rua” costume parades are held.

Palm Sunday blessing of the Palms in the churches. Holy Thursday and Friday: Processions with the religious steps of different churches with scenes of the passion of Christ … The Descent from the Cross is represented, the most famous are that of Artá and Pollensa. 

Representation on the port beach with the arrival by boat of the Turkish Saracens and the fight in the streets of the city of Soller of how the Christians managed to win this battle. It begins with the offering of flowers to the Virgin by “The brave women” and then the representation of the fight with blunderbuss, gunpowder and swords. Ending with a great party for the triumph of the Christians. Market and festivals in the city. The typical food is snails with all-i-oli.

On the night of the 23rd, fires are made on the beaches and people gather for dinner, there are free open-air concerts. It is a magical night, the shortest of the year. All wishes can come true. Tradition says that you have to write on paper what you no longer want and on another the new wishes and while you make them over the fire so that they are fulfilled you have to dance. The most famous are those held in Ciutadella in Menorca.

In Pollensa, verbenas, solemn mass and typical dance of “Cossiers“. In the afternoon at 7:00 p.m., there is a representation of the meeting of Joan Mas, the Christian leader and Dragut also the head of the Ottomans, with the fighting between Moors and Christians. 

Verbenas, parades, popular dances, traditional grape treading contest and “dinner in the street” of all the residents of the town with decorated tables and the traditional dish of “Vermar Noodles”.

Majorca’s most important agricultural, animal and craft fair. Exhibitors of machinery, gastronomic products, animals, crafts, artisan demonstrations…. On Wednesday night festivals and concerts.

Concerts and festivals in the squares and the traditional eating of “12 grapes” for a good year on the chimes of midnight.