Enjoy local festivities like a true mallorcan
If you thought that the party in Mallorca is only in the nightclubs of tourist areas... let us correct that misconception. The Mallorcan "verbenas" (traditional local parties) are the quintessential gatherings of summer nights, and with a well-structured calendar, you can enjoy any of the local festivities like a true Mallorcan.
Moors and Christians all over the island
It is inevitable that an island which was occupied by Muslims for many centuries and later conquered by Christians would emulate this piece of history in its local festivities.
In early May, the famous "Firó" takes place in Sóller, a big festival in which the entire town participates and commemorates the triumph of the people of Sóller over the Saracen pirates who tried to take over the town.
Visitors will have to get their faces dirty and celebrate the Christian victories after each of the attacks.
In Pollensa, the grand celebration takes place on August 2nd, with very similar motives. In the early hours of the day of the patron, the Mare de Déu dels Àngels, the neighbors gather for the "Albarada," the music that marks the start of the celebrations at dawn. It should be noted that it is a very solemn event, and silence must be observed.
In September, in Santa Ponça, there is no commemoration of a Moorish attack, but rather the landing of Rei En Jaume, who would conquer the island and expel the Muslims.
Here, one must pay attention to the parades and battles, and at night, the festivities allow you to enjoy the pine forest of the large beach, but only Christian representatives can camp and spend the night here.
Religious festivals ending with lots of revelry.
At the end of June, the festivity of San Pedro and San Pablo takes place, the patrons of fishermen. The coastal towns of Mallorca dress up to celebrate their patrons with the solemnity and seriousness required, but as evening falls, the "verbenas" flood the squares, and firework castles illuminate the Mallorcan night.
This is the case in Colonia de Sant Pere, Puerto de Andratx, Alcudia, and neighborhoods in Palma such as Santa Catalina or Sant Pere.
To fully enjoy them, one must find good transportation and parking and let oneself be carried away by the magic and joy of the beginning of summer.
The festivities of San Bartolomé are celebrated in practically half of the island. They take place on August 24th and last until the beginning of September. Valldemossa, Sóller, Cala Rajada, Capdepera... are some of the municipalities that celebrate their patron.
Particularly noteworthy is the town of Montuïri, where on the main day, the Cossiers dance for the people in what was once an ancient ritual celebrating the victory of good over evil, now preserved as part of Mallorca's cultural heritage.
As in other festivities on the island, the Cossiers' dance is highly appreciated and must be observed in silence.
The Cossiers perform their dance in other municipalities for other celebrations, such as Sant Antoni in Manacor or Sant Roc in Alaró.
