Mallorca is an island deeply rooted in tradition. Throughout the year, towns and villages come alive with local fiestas that have been passed down from generation to generation. These celebrations are not just events on a calendar, they are a way of preserving identity, community and shared memory. From the capital to the smallest rural villages, Mallorcans celebrate whenever they can, keeping ancient customs very much alive.
At Ca’n Bonico, we love sharing this more authentic side of the island. Beyond beaches and summer life, Mallorca reveals its true character through traditions like Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastià: winter festivities where fire, music and community take centre stage.
Sant Antoni & Sant Sebastià
Sant Antoni, celebrated on the night of January the 16th, is one of the most emblematic rural traditions in Mallorca. Particularly strong in villages such as Sa Pobla, Artà, Manacor or Muro, the festival honours Saint Anthony the Abbot, protector of animals. As night falls, bonfires (foguerons) are lit across town squares and streets, becoming gathering points where neighbours come together to grill food, sing traditional songs (gloses) and share wine.
Fire plays a symbolic role, representing purification and the transition from darkness to light. Demons (dimonis) dance around the flames, filling the streets with energy, drums and sparks. It is a raw, powerful celebration that connects people to the island’s rural roots and agricultural past.
Just a few days later, Sant Sebastià, celebrated on January the 20th, takes over Palma. As the city’s patron saint, Sant Sebastià is honoured with a large programme of concerts, cultural events and open-air festivities, especially on the night before. Palma’s squares fill with live music, food stalls and bonfires, blending tradition with a more urban and contemporary spirit.
If you’re visiting Mallorca in January, we recommend checking the official programme of festivities in Palma and nearby villages. It’s one of the best ways to experience local culture up close.
Traditions in Mallorca
Sant Antoni and Sant Sebastià are just two examples of how deeply tradition runs on the island. Throughout the year, Mallorca celebrates religious and seasonal festivities such as Semana Santa, Sant Joan, summer village fiestas, harvest celebrations and Christmas customs. Each one reflects a strong sense of belonging and respect for shared heritage.
These traditions are not staged for visitors; they are lived, authentic moments where the island comes together. Experiencing them offers a deeper understanding of Mallorca beyond its landscapes, revealing the rhythm and soul of everyday life.
See you in Spring!
After the winter celebrations, Mallorca slowly awakens as spring arrives. At Ca’n Bonico, we reopen our doors in spring, a season that invites calm, exploration and reconnection. It’s the perfect time to discover a quieter, more authentic Mallorca, especially in the southeast of the island, where rural life, nature and tradition meet.
Our boutique hotel in Ses Salines offers the ideal base to unwind while exploring local villages, landscapes and cultural life at a slower pace. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Discover our rooms and book your stay at hotelcanbonico.com.