Festivals in the Balearics

Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera have a full calendar of festivals throughout the year. Here you will find information and a description of the events with links to their websites where available.

The Balearics have a number of festivals and cultural events. Below is an introduction to the most significant festivals (fiestas) and happenings in the region.

Most local festivals take place in honour of a patron saint. The majority of these are held during the summer months, where a procession through the saint's town culminates in celebrations including fireworks and dancing.

For information on local events and fiestas contact the local tourist information centres

Religious Celebrations

Sant Antoni Abat: Traditional fiesta featuring parades and blessings of animals. The festival takes place every year on 17 January in Mallorca and in the town of Sant Antoni on the island of Ibiza. Celebrations begin on the Eve of Sant Antoni when bonfires are lit in the streets of the town and people dance around the flames. The following day the animals are blessed in order to benefit from Sant Antoni's protection for another year.

Festa de l'Àngel: This festival originated in 1407 and takes place on the Sunday before Easter. Every year there is a pilgrimage, or romería, the most popular one being to the Bellver Castle, Mallorca, where over 20,000 people congregate. Activities and entertainment are organised throughout the day.

Semana Santa: Holy Week is one of the biggest religious celebrations in Spain and is also a big event in Mallorca. It begins on Domingo de Ramos (Palm Sunday) at churches across the island and is followed by colourful street processions each night. A procession carrying a representation of the crucified Christ takes place on Maundy Thursday as a reminder of the meaning of Christianity.

Sant Joan: The day of Saint John the Baptist (24 June) is celebrated every year in the streets and squares of Ciutadella. The horse plays a significant part of this festival, with horses carrying out a ritual of mediaeval manoeuvres accompanied by their elegantly dressed riders. During the festival there are firework displays throughout the islands.

Other Events and Festivals in the Balearics

Carnival: Carnival season takes place in February and is celebrated in many of the towns and villages throughout the islands. Events include parties, parades, processions and entertainment in the streets.

International Boat Show: Annual boat fair in Palma de Mallorca with a focus on recreational sailing. Takes place every April or May in the Moll Vell Port area attracting visitors from around the world.

Mediaeval Fair: Every year in May in the old part of Ibiza, known as the Dalt Vila, events are held commemorating the city's declaration as a World Heritage Site in 1999. The fair consists of concerts, dancing, artists performing in the streets as well as hundreds of market stalls in the walled city. Mediaeval activities include children's games, jousting and falconry exhibitions.

Pollença Music Festival: Festival of classical music held every year during July and August since 1962. The 17th century cloister of Santo Domingo in Mallorca is the backdrop to this prestigious music festival featuring many international artists.