Mallorca, an island full of contrasts and cultural festivals

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Mallorca, an island full of contrasts and cultural festivals

Summer is the ideal time to see how Mallorcan culture, cuisine and traditions all come together

28 Jul 2023

The festivals in honour of the patron saints of the towns and villages of Mallorca are cultural celebrations that help keep local history and customs alive. They are also a chance to witness the community spirit, memories and traditions which are passed on from one generation to the next.

The festivals are deeply rooted in the history and identity of each town and village, and are extremely important events that help keep alive the essence of Mallorcan history. The parties and festivals are deeply rooted in tradition and popular culture, and are marked by a captivating blend of folklore, cuisine and festivities, making them very special and eagerly awaited events for both local residents and visitors who have the chance to take part in them.

One of the most remarkable features of traditional Mallorcan festivals is their huge diversity, with practically every village on the island having its own particular festival and its own special date marked down on the calendar from the beginning of the year.

Religion plays an important role in many of the festivities as they are almost all dedicated to the patron saint of each village. But it’s not all about religion. There is also a wide range of traditional, cultural and fun activities, with colourful parades, music, traditional dances, concerts, sports activities, handicrafts markets and fireworks being just a few of the many features of the popular festivities.

Local cuisine also has a huge role to play in the celebrations, with typical local dishes and ingredients offering visitors a chance to sample authentic Mallorcan cuisine and learn more about its rich culinary culture.

The celebrations also arouse the curiosity of a lot of people who visit Mallorca on holiday, allowing them to experience the authenticity and warmth of Mallorcan culture up close.

Make a note of these dates and enjoy the essence of Mallorca this summer:

August 2 is the date for the La Patrona festival in Pollensa, the most important festival of the year for the town. One of the most popular events is a simulation of the battle between Moors and Christians, an event full of colour and surprising intensity. Steeped in tradition, it is one of the biggest events of the year for the people of Pollença and an unforgettable experience for visitors to the town who have the chance to see the battle up close. La Patrona, also known as the “Mother of God of the Angels”, has always played an important role in the history of Pollença. The festival honours the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the town, while also recalling the victory of the local people over Turkish pirates in the 16th century. It thus serves as a reminder of the strength and solidarity of the people of Pollença in the most difficult times.

Photo taken from : Diaro de Mallorca

August 8 is the date for the Much de Reig in Sineu. In recent years La Mucada has become extremely popular, so much so that it’s now one of the most eagerly awaited summer festivals in the whole of Mallorca. This is a relatively new festival which is held on the Monday before August 15 and celebrates the legend of the Much de Reig. Legend has it that if someone fills their mouth with olive oil and goes around the Puig del Reig mountain three times, a bull called “Muc” will come out of a cave in the mountain and lead that person to the treasure in the Puig. The festival is full of fun and laughs as it also parodies a lot of popular festivals, characters and even everyday situations. And there can be little doubt that it’s also one of the most eclectic festivals on the island. Remember! Pink is the official colour for the party.

The Sant Bartomeu Festival is one of the most traditional events in the Mallorcan summer that you really must not miss. The festival lasts from August 17 to August 24 and is celebrated in several villages across the island, including Montuïri, Consell and Sóller. One of the traditional features of the festival is the dance of the Cossiers in Montuïri. During the summer festival, the Cossiers come out onto the streets of the village to entertain both the locals and visitors alike with their colourful dances. The dance only takes place three times a year and symbolises the victory of good over evil. The Cossiers of Montuïri received the Ramon Llull Award in 2012 for having always remained true to the spirit of the festival and for being the only group of dancers on the island that has performed constantly throughout its history.