Semana Santa Mallorca 2026: Holy Week Explained

Semana Santa on Mallorca is one of the island's most impressive traditions. While visitor numbers in April are still manageable, the Mallorcan villages show a deeply religious and culturally rich side of themselves during Holy Week. If you want to get to know the real Mallorca, do not miss Semana Santa 2026 - whether as a resident or as a visitor.

At a glance

Semana Santa 2026 runs from March 29 to April 5. The highlight is the Davallament in Pollenca on the evening of Good Friday (April 3). Processions take place in almost every municipality, especially impressive ones in Palma, Sineu and Sa Pobla. Entry is free everywhere.

What is Semana Santa?

Semana Santa (Holy Week) is the week immediately before Easter. In Spain and on Mallorca it is marked with penitent processions, religious rites and solemn marches. Participants traditionally wear dark robes and conical hoods that recall medieval brotherhoods. The spectacle can seem strange to outsiders at first, but it is a deeply local expression of community and faith.

On Mallorca every municipality has its own processions, which differ noticeably in character and atmosphere. The 2026 dates: it begins on Palm Sunday (March 29, 2026), peaks with the Easter Vigil (April 4) and closes on Easter Sunday (April 5, 2026).

The Davallament in Pollenca: Good Friday as a mystery play

The best-known Easter event on Mallorca is the Davallament (Catalan for "the descent from the cross") in Pollenca. It takes place every year on Good Friday - in 2026 that is April 3 - and begins at 11 pm on the Calvari hill above the town.

The Via Crucis climbs more than 300 steps to the site of the crucifixion. There, the taking down of Jesus from the cross is re-enacted as a silent mystery play before a long candlelit procession descends the steps into the town. The Davallament has been handed down in Pollenca for more than 400 years and draws several thousand spectators every year.

Practical notes for the Davallament:

Arrive by 10 pm at the latest, the steps fill up quickly
Sturdy shoes recommended for the steep climb
The ceremony lasts around two hours
Entry is free; respect for the religious nature of the event is expected
Parking in Pollenca is limited - take the bus or arrive early

Tip: Explore Pollenca early

Use Good Friday afternoon for a walk through the old town of Pollenca before the Davallament begins. The weekly market on the Sunday before is also worth a visit.

Processions in Palma and other municipalities

In Palma, processions take place daily during Holy Week, organised by various brotherhoods (confraternidades). Particularly solemn are the Good Friday procession through the old town and the Easter Vigil in the cathedral. The processions often start around 10 pm and wind through the narrow lanes of the historic centre.

Other rewarding places for Semana Santa on Mallorca:

Sineu: a quiet, authentic procession in the heart of the island's interior, ideal for families
Sa Pobla: known for its emotional Good Friday procession
Felanitx: an impressive parade with many local participants
Soller: a picturesque procession through the narrow old town of the orange village

When do the main processions take place in 2026? The most important parades are on Good Friday (April 3, 2026). Most municipalities start between 9 and 11 pm. On Palm Sunday (March 29) many towns hold palm frond processions, which are more colourful and more accessible.

What residents should know about Semana Santa

Holy Week has a special status in Spanish employment law: Good Friday and Easter Monday are public holidays in the Balearic Islands. Many shops have reduced opening hours and some close completely for several days. Supermarkets are generally open but close earlier.

For residents, Semana Santa also means noticeably more traffic on the island. Many Spaniards from the mainland spend the Easter holidays on Mallorca. Long traffic jams are possible on Good Friday, especially on the motorway heading north and on the access roads to Pollenca.

The island economy benefits strongly from this pre-season week. Restaurants in tourist areas reopen for Easter and the first seasonal jobs begin. You can find an overview of all public holidays in the guide to public holidays on Mallorca.

Careful: parking bans during processions

Temporary no-stopping zones apply along the procession routes and are often signposted only at short notice. If you park in the wrong spot, you risk being towed. Public transport or parking on the edge of town is the safe choice.

Treating the tradition with respect

Semana Santa is not a tourist festival but a serious religious celebration. A few pointers for a respectful visit:

Stay quiet and do not play loud music
Photos are allowed, but avoid flash during the procession
Do not walk into the procession or block its path
Prepare children for the meaning of the event

Locals genuinely appreciate it when newcomers explore their traditions with curiosity and respect. You can learn more about the island's culture and customs in the guide to culture and tradition on Mallorca.

For festivals, markets and events outside Holy Week, take a look at our article on the fiestas patronales, which explains how village festival culture works on Mallorca.

Conclusion

Semana Santa 2026 runs from March 29 to April 5. The Davallament in Pollenca on the evening of Good Friday is the highlight of the week and an unforgettable experience you should see at least once as a resident. The memory of hundreds of candles slowly descending the stone steps stays with you for a long time.

Official information on the dates and events of Holy Week is published by the Ajuntament de Pollenca and the Mallorca tourism portal Infomallorca a few weeks before Easter.

Semana Santa Mallorca 2026: Processions and the Davallament