Springtime in Mallorca is one of the best times of the year. The sun is shining, the sky is blue and it is a busy time on the social calendar with many local ‘fiestas’ taking place across the island. Of course, Easter is the main holiday but others are perhaps less well known. Here is our guide to Mallorca’s traditional spring celebrations.
Easter – Semana Santa in April
Known as ‘Semana Santa’ or Holy Week, this religious celebration is marked in most of the island’s cities, towns and villages. Processions, concerts and services are held at churches across Mallorca from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday the following week. Each day, a different procession tells the story of Jesus.
On Good Friday, the Passion of Christ, a parade of hooded parishioners walks the streets to the sound of drums carrying a large float depicting the crucifixion. This solemn affair is a marvel to watch. Enjoy Easter food, such as ‘crespells’, shortbread biscuits, and ‘rubiols’, crescent-shaped sweet treats filled with chocolate and jam. For a savoury snack, try ‘panades’, a pie filled with chicken, fish or ‘sobrasada’.
Sant Jordi – 23rd of April
A celebration of love and literature, the ‘Diada de Sant Jordi’ is a big event in Mallorca each year. In Palma, there are stalls selling books that you can buy for your loved ones. Traditionally the man is supposed to give the woman a rose, and the woman gifts the man a book.
Also known as the Day of the Book and the Rose, this fiesta is rooted in Catalan heritage. In Colònia de Sant Jordi, in the southeast of Mallorca, this local festival celebrates the patron Saint George. A week of fun and family entertainment ensues, with live music, drinks and food. The main festival takes place on 23rd, with mass at church and live music later that night.
Es Firó de Sóller – 12th of May
This fiesta transforms the centre of Sóller into an open-air market where a battle between the Moors and the Christians is re-enacted. In May 1561, the Moors invaded Port de Sóller from the sea and so today this “battle” passes from the port into town, culminating in the main ‘plaza’ where the Christians celebrate victory.
This is followed by a parade of floats carrying ‘Los Mujeres Valientes’, the Brave Women, who helped steer the Christians to triumph. This fiesta is not for the fainthearted. There are crowds, noise (thanks to fireworks) and a lot of chaos but it’s definitely worth experiencing at least once. Everyone is dressed in traditional costumes, the air is filled with live music. People drink wine and dance on the beach. Great for photos and letting your hair down.
So, there’s lots to look forward to during spring on the island. Look forward to seeing you at Ca’n Bonico very soon.