There’s nothing better than traveling and immersing yourself in local festivals and traditions, right? That’s why, at ROIG, we’re introducing you to the local festivals in Mallorca that are worth experiencing at least once in your lifetime.
Participating in a local festival is the best way to get to know the native culture, feel the rhythm of the people, and discover the true essence of the island. We don’t want you to miss a single dance or parade, so we’ve prepared this guide with the most iconic festivals in Mallorca that you can visit with your rental car. Don’t miss out!
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria (February): Tradition and Devotion
February kicks off with one of the island’s most spiritual and ancient celebrations: the Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria.
Origin and Meaning of the Fiesta de la Candelaria
La Candelaria marks the midpoint of winter and celebrates the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the purification of the Virgin. In Mallorca, this festival carries a special significance tied to light and the hope of the approaching spring.
The most magical event takes place at the Palma Cathedral, where the sun passes through the main rose window, creating a unique light spectacle known as “the eight of the Cathedral.”
Celebrations in towns like Pollença and Sóller
Beyond Palma, towns like Pollença and Sóller keep their own traditions alive, with blessings of candles (the “candeles”) and liturgical acts that transform the old town into a corner full of beauty and history.
Carnaval de Mallorca (February): Music, Costumes, and Fun
Also in February, we encounter another one of the best festivals on the island. This time, we set aside spiritual seriousness to enjoy one of the best local festivals in Mallorca: “Sa Rua” and “Sa Rueta” of Carnival.
The Most Highlighted Parades and Activities of Palma’s Carnival
Palma’s Carnival is a display of creativity. The streets fill with troupes, floats, and live music:
- Sa Rua is the main parade that winds through the central avenues.
- Sa Rueta is the children’s version, full of workshops, puppet shows, and entertainment for the little ones.
Tips for Enjoying Carnival with Family
If you’re traveling with children, we recommend parking your car in peripheral areas or underground parking early in the morning. Enjoying Sa Rueta is a safe, fun experience filled with confetti that kids will never forget.
Enjoy our rent-a-car service in Mallorca and travel around the island with new, comfortable cars in perfect condition, so you can move freely during your vacation. And if you don’t want to drive, you can opt for our chauffeur-driven cars in Mallorca and focus on enjoying the view.
Fiestas de la Primavera (May): A Tribute to Good Weather
May is possibly the most beautiful month in Mallorca. The countryside is at its peak, and the weather is perfect for enjoying outdoor plans and experiences. And the Fiesta de la Primavera celebrates this idyllic moment on the island!
Cultural Events and Activities for All Ages
The Fiestas de la Primavera usually include flower markets, craft fairs, and concerts in the squares. It’s the time for the famous May Fairs in various towns, where local products, traditional agricultural machinery, and animals are showcased. It’s one of the local festivals in Mallorca that offers a very authentic view of the island’s rural essence.
Traditions and the Festive Atmosphere on the Island
The atmosphere is relaxed and cheerful. It’s the ideal time to drive through the Serra de Tramuntana and stop in every village square to enjoy a “variat” (typical tapa) on the sunny terraces while watching the processions pass by.
Sant Joan (June): One of the Most Iconic Festivals
The arrival of the summer solstice marks the most magical night of the year: the “Nit de Sant Joan.” On the night of June 23rd to 24th, the island fills with parties, bonfires, and activities full of mysticism and tradition. Discover Sant Joan in Mallorca!
Bonfires, Rituals, and Popular Celebrations
On the night of June 23rd, the beaches of Mallorca light up with hundreds of bonfires. The tradition dictates burning something old in the fire and jumping over the embers or bathing in the sea at midnight to purify yourself and attract good luck.
In Palma, the “Correfoc” (fire run) with the “Dimonis” (demons) and fire beasts in the Parc de la Mar is an impressive and incredibly fun spectacle.
How to Enjoy Sant Joan in Ciutadella and Other Towns
Although Menorca (specifically, Ciutadella) is world-famous for its horses during Sant Joan, in Mallorca, towns like Deià, Muro, and Felanitx celebrate their patronal festivals with incredible intensity.
If you opt for our car rental service in Mallorca, you can escape the more crowded beaches of Palma and find a peaceful cove in the north to live your own Sant Joan ritual under the stars.
Fiestas de la Virgen del Carmen (July): Maritime Celebrations
In July, we also find another one of the most emblematic local festivals in Mallorca: the Fiesta de la Virgen del Carmen. July is the month of the sea, and the Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of sailors. Therefore, practically any town with a port celebrates these festivities with a mix of respect and joy.
The Maritime Procession and Devotion to the Virgin
The highlight is the maritime procession. The image of the Virgin is carried on shoulders to a decorated boat, followed by a fleet of fishing boats, llaüts, and recreational boats that sound their sirens across the bay. It’s an emotional scene that showcases the island’s connection to the Mediterranean.
How to Enjoy Maritime Festivals in the Port
Ports like Andratx, Cala Ratjada, and Port de Pollença come to life. In addition to the religious events, you’ll find habaneras (sailor songs), fresh fish gastronomic fairs, and fireworks over the water.
Our Tip: This is one of the best activities to do in Mallorca, so rent one of our cars to explore several ports during that week. Each one has a unique charm, but they all share the aroma of salt and tradition.
La Fiesta de la Patrona (August): The Most Important Festival
August is the month of patronal festivals par excellence. But there is one event that stands out for its fervor and history: the festival in honor of the Virgen de la Real.
Parades and Processions in Honor of the Virgen de la Real
Although many towns celebrate their patron saints (such as the famous “Moros y Cristianos” reenactment in Pollença on August 2nd), the devotion to the Virgen de la Real in Palma and its surroundings gathers thousands of people.
The processions are solemn and full of symbolism, often accompanied by the traditional music of the xeremies (Mallorcan bagpipes).
Key Activities and Events During the Festival
Beyond the religious aspect, the patronal festivals in August include the famous “revetlles” (street parties), open-air concerts, popular street dinners, and traditional games for children. It’s the perfect time to experience Mallorcan tradition in its purest form.
La Fira de Sant Tomàs (December): The Most Authentic Christmas Market
In December, there’s another local festival in Mallorca worth discovering. When the cold arrives on the island, tourism shifts inland, specifically to the city of Inca, known for its leather tradition and excellent gastronomy.
The Charm of the Christmas Market in Inca
The Fira de Sant Tomàs, held around December 21st, is one of the oldest and most authentic fairs. It’s not just any Christmas market; here, the sale of handcrafted products is combined with the “Mostra de Cuina de Matances” (typical winter cuisine).
It’s the perfect market to buy high-quality leather gifts and taste authentic Mallorcan sobrasada.
Family Activities and Cultural Events at the Fair
The city of Inca transforms with live nativity scenes, carol choirs, and craft workshops for children. It’s a much more local and less crowded experience than the markets in central Palma, making it ideal for visiting with your rental car and filling your trunk with local delicacies.
Experience the Most Authentic Mallorca with ROIG
The local festivals in Mallorca allow you to discover the island’s most authentic and traditional side. If you’re flying in, you’ll be happy to know that ROIG offers a transfer service in Mallorca to get you comfortably to your hotel or accommodation.
Having a rental car gives you the freedom to experience the street party of a small village at night and wake up in a peaceful cove the next morning. Plus, remember that on our website, you can also book experiences in Mallorca to complete your trip and make the most of your getaway.
Got your dates for your next trip? Check out our car rental offers in Mallorca and choose the vehicle that best fits your route. See you at the next “revetlla”!