Events in Palma de Mallorca

Events & Festivals in Palma de Mallorca

Your complete guide to what's happening throughout the year

Palma de Mallorca's event calendar is a colorful tapestry woven from deep-rooted traditions, religious fervor, contemporary arts, and Mediterranean zest. The city pulses with life year-round, moving from the solemn processions of Holy Week to the explosive joy of summer fiestas and the cozy charm of Christmas markets. It's a place where ancient streets host avant-garde art, where local patron saints are celebrated with fire and dance, and where international sports and music events find a stunning coastal backdrop. Navigating this calendar offers an authentic immersion into Mallorcan culture, far beyond the sun-and-beach cliché.

Peak Event Periods: Easter Week (Semana Santa): A major religious and tourist period with daily processions and crowded streets., Late June to August: Peak summer season with Sant Joan, Virgen del Carme, Summer Festival, and high tourist numbers., Mid-November: Centered around Dijous Bo, the single busiest day in the city center., Christmas & New Year (Dec 24 - Jan 6): Festive markets, Three Kings celebrations, and holiday visitors.

January

🎉Sant Antoni Abat & Rei en Jaume

Dates vary yearly Various plazas, Plaça de Cort, Cathedral
Free festival

A double celebration. On the 16th, Sant Antoni is honored with traditional 'foguerons' (bonfires) and demonic 'dimonis' dances. The next day commemorates King Jaume I's entry into Palma in 1229 with a solemn procession from the Cathedral to the City Hall and historical reenactments.

Tip: Try the traditional 'espinagada' (eel pie) sold near the bonfires on Sant Antoni's eve.

🎉Sant Sebastià

01-19 - 01-20 Parc de la Feixina, Plaça Major, Cathedral
Free festival

The festival of Palma's patron saint. The eve (19th) is celebrated with huge public bonfires ('foguerons') and concerts in parks and squares. On the 20th, a solemn mass and procession take place, alongside traditional 'correfoc' (fire-run) with devils and fireworks.

Tip: Join the locals at the 'foguerons' in Parc de la Feixina for the most authentic atmosphere and free concerts.

February

🎉Carnaval

Dates vary yearly Paseo del Borne, Avenida Jaume III
Free festival

A week of costume parties, parades, and mischief before Lent. The main event is the Grand Parade ('Rúa') with elaborate floats, dancers, and musicians winding through the city. Many bars and clubs host themed parties.

Tip: Wear a costume to fully participate! The parade route gets very crowded; secure a spot along Avenida Jaume III early.

March

No major events typically scheduled for March. Check back for updates.

April

Palma International Boat Show

Dates vary yearly Moll Vell (Old Port)
Book Ahead sports

One of Europe's premier nautical events, showcasing hundreds of boats from luxury yachts to sailing vessels, along with maritime equipment, technology, and accessories. Features water sports demonstrations and a dedicated area for classic boats.

Tip: Buy tickets online in advance for a discount and arrive early to explore the superyacht dock before the biggest crowds.

🛒Fira del Ram

Dates vary yearly Parc de les Estacions
Free market

A traditional Easter fair and funfair held for about two weeks. Features amusement park rides, games of skill, food stalls selling churros and candy floss, and pavilions with local crafts. A beloved family event marking the spring season.

Tip: Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest weekend crowds. Don't miss the 'xurros' (churros) with hot chocolate.

May

No major events typically scheduled for May. Check back for updates.

June

🎉Nit de Sant Joan

06-23 Platja de Can Pere Antoni, Ciutat Jardí
Free festival

The magical night of summer solstice. Locals head to the beaches to build bonfires, enjoy picnics, and swim at midnight for good luck. Fireworks light up the sky, and it's a night of friends, family, and celebration welcoming the summer.

Tip: Bring your own picnic and drinks, arrive early to secure a spot on the sand, and be prepared for traffic when leaving.

Palma Classics

Dates vary yearly Cathedral esplanade, Paseo Marítimo
Book Ahead sports

A prestigious classic car rally and concours d'elegance. Hundreds of vintage and classic cars parade through Palma's streets and are displayed in scenic locations like the Cathedral esplanade. Includes competitions, exhibitions, and a gala dinner.

Tip: The free public display of cars in front of the Cathedral on the Saturday morning is the best time for photography and close-up viewing.

July

🙏Festa de la Verge del Carme

07-16 Port of Palma, Club de Mar
Free religious

The festival of the patron saint of sailors. The highlight is a magnificent maritime procession in the afternoon, where a statue of the Virgin is carried on a flower-decked boat from the Port to Cala Major, accompanied by hundreds of decorated vessels.

Tip: The best land views are from the Moll de la Llotja or the Paseo Marítimo. Alternatively, book a boat trip to join the procession on the water.

🎵Palma Summer Festival

Dates vary yearly Castell de Bellver
Book Ahead music

A series of open-air concerts held in the stunning Bellver Castle. Features an eclectic mix of international stars from rock, pop, and indie genres, offering a unique musical experience under the stars in a historic fortress.

Tip: Tickets sell out fast. The castle grounds are steep; wear sturdy shoes and bring a light jacket as it can get breezy.

August

No major events typically scheduled for August. Check back for updates.

September

🎭Nit de l'Art (Art Night)

Dates vary yearly Santa Catalina, La Lonja, Paseo del Borne
Free cultural

The city's premier contemporary art night. Dozens of galleries, museums, and cultural spaces in the Santa Catalina and La Lonja districts open their doors for free, offering new exhibitions, performances, and installations. The streets buzz with a creative, party-like atmosphere.

Tip: Pick up a map from any participating venue. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for crowds; start early to see the most.

🙏Festa de la Patrona

09-08 Cathedral, Historic Centre
Free religious

Celebrates the Mare de Déu de la Salut (Our Lady of Health), co-patron of Palma. A solemn mass at the Cathedral is followed by a procession of the revered image through the old town, accompanied by giants ('gegants') and traditional music.

Tip: This is a more local and traditional event than the summer festivals. It offers a glimpse into Palma's deep religious heritage.

October

Palma International Marathon & Half Marathon

Dates vary yearly Start/Finish at Paseo Marítimo
Book Ahead sports

A major running event attracting thousands of participants. The fast, flat course offers spectacular views along Palma's seafront, past the Cathedral, and through the historic center. Includes a marathon, half-marathon, and 10K race.

Tip: Register months in advance as places are limited. The October weather is ideal for running, but the sun can be strong—use sunscreen.

🍽️Palma Food Market Festival

Dates vary yearly Mercat de l'Olivar
Book Ahead food

A celebration of Mallorcan gastronomy held in and around the Mercat de l'Olivar. Features cooking demonstrations by top chefs, tastings of local products (wine, cheese, olives), workshops, and special menus at the market's bars and stalls.

Tip: Come hungry and try the 'tapas route' offered by the market's bar stalls. Book workshops well in advance.

November

🛒Dijous Bo

Dates vary yearly Plaça Major, Plaça Cort, surrounding streets
Free market

A massive agricultural and craft fair with origins in the 14th century. The streets of central Palma are packed with stalls selling local produce, cheese, 'sobrassada', pottery, and more. Includes livestock exhibitions, folk dancing, and live music.

Tip: This is the busiest day of the year in central Palma. Use public transport, arrive early, and be prepared for crowds. Sample the 'coca amb trempó' (vegetable flatbread).

🙏Día de Todos los Santos

11-01 Cementeri de Palma (Palma Cemetery)
Free religious

All Saints' Day is a national holiday and a deeply familial occasion. Families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of loved ones with flowers, especially chrysanthemums. The atmosphere is one of quiet remembrance and respect.

Tip: If visiting a cemetery, do so respectfully and quietly. Florists all over the city will be selling 'panellets' (almond sweets) and 'rosaris' (prayer beads) of candied fruit.

🎵Palma Piano Festival

Dates vary yearly Teatre Principal, Auditorium, churches
Book Ahead music

An internationally acclaimed classical music festival dedicated to the piano. Features world-renowned soloists and emerging talents performing in Palma's beautiful historic venues, from the Teatre Principal to smaller, intimate churches.

Tip: Check the schedule for masterclasses, which are sometimes open to the public and offer a fascinating insight into the artists' techniques.

December

🎭Festa de l'Estendard

12-31 Plaça de Cort, Ajuntament de Palma
Free cultural

Celebrates the Christian conquest of Madina Mayurqa by King Jaume I in 1229. A civic ceremony at the City Hall (Plaça de Cort) features speeches and the raising of the royal standard, followed by traditional 'Ball de l'Estendard' dance and 'cercaviles' parades.

Tip: The event is quite formal and civic. For a more festive feel, come later for the associated concerts and folk dancing in the plaza.

🛒Mercat de l'Olivar Christmas Market

Dates vary yearly Plaça Major
Free market

The city's main and most traditional Christmas market. Dozens of wooden stalls sell handmade crafts, decorations, nativity scene figures ('pastorets'), local foods like 'turrón' (nougat), and gifts. A festive atmosphere with lights and often live music.

Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for a more relaxed shopping experience. Try a cup of 'cremat' (spiked coffee) to warm up.

🛒Fira de Reis (Three Kings Fair)

12-28 - 01-05 Plaça de la Reina, Port
Free market

A festive market in the weeks leading up to Epiphany (January 6th). Stalls sell toys, gifts, decorations, and sweets. The highlight is the grand arrival of the Three Kings by boat on January 5th, followed by a magnificent parade through the city.

Tip: For the Kings' Parade on Jan 5th, the best spots are along the Paseo del Borne. Arrive at least 90 minutes early with children.

Tips for Attending Events

1

Plan for crowds during major festivals (Sant Sebastià, Dijous Bo, Easter). Book accommodation and event tickets months in advance for peak periods like summer and Easter.

2

Summer events are hot and sunny; wear a hat, sunscreen, and stay hydrated. Winter events like Christmas markets can be cool and damp; dress in layers.

3

Public transport (EMT buses) is excellent, but services can be altered during big parades. For central events, walking is often the best option. Consider renting a bike.

4

Many events start later than advertised (Spanish 'mañana' time applies). Dinner is late (9-11 PM), and nightlife starts after midnight.

5

While major events have information online, check the Palma City Council website or local tourism offices for last-minute schedule changes and maps.

Event Categories

🎉
festival

Major public festivals and celebrations, often with parades, music, and traditional activities.

🎭
cultural

Arts-focused events, including visual arts exhibitions, theater, dance, and literature.

sports

Sporting competitions, races, and shows open to spectators.

🎊
holiday

Official national and regional public holidays where businesses may close.

🛒
market

Seasonal or themed markets selling goods, crafts, and food.

🙏
religious

Observances, processions, and festivals with a religious origin or significance.

🎵
music

Concerts, recitals, and music festivals across various genres.

🍽️
food

Events centered on gastronomy, culinary demonstrations, and local produce.

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