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.
January
🎉Sant Antoni Abat & Rei en Jaume
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.
🎉Sant Sebastià
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.
February
🎉Carnaval
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.
March
No major events typically scheduled for March. Check back for updates.
April
⚽Palma International Boat Show
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.
🛒Fira del Ram
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.
May
No major events typically scheduled for May. Check back for updates.
June
🎉Nit de Sant Joan
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.
⚽Palma Classics
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.
July
🙏Festa de la Verge del Carme
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.
🎵Palma Summer Festival
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.
August
No major events typically scheduled for August. Check back for updates.
September
🎭Nit de l'Art (Art Night)
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.
🙏Festa de la Patrona
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.
October
⚽Palma International Marathon & Half Marathon
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.
🍽️Palma Food Market Festival
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.
November
🛒Dijous Bo
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.
🙏Día de Todos los Santos
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.
🎵Palma Piano Festival
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.
December
🎭Festa de l'Estendard
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.
🛒Mercat de l'Olivar Christmas 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.
🛒Fira de Reis (Three Kings Fair)
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.
Tips for Attending Events
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.
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.
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.
Many events start later than advertised (Spanish 'mañana' time applies). Dinner is late (9-11 PM), and nightlife starts after midnight.
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
Major public festivals and celebrations, often with parades, music, and traditional activities.
Arts-focused events, including visual arts exhibitions, theater, dance, and literature.
Sporting competitions, races, and shows open to spectators.
Official national and regional public holidays where businesses may close.
Seasonal or themed markets selling goods, crafts, and food.
Observances, processions, and festivals with a religious origin or significance.
Concerts, recitals, and music festivals across various genres.
Events centered on gastronomy, culinary demonstrations, and local produce.