What to expect
The Cant de la Sibil·la is one of the most striking moments in the Mallorcan year: a medieval chant proclaiming the Sibyl's prophecy of the Last Judgement, performed for centuries at Midnight Mass on 24 December. UNESCO declared the tradition Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The Sibil·la is sung in almost every church on Mallorca, but the best known and most solemn performance takes place in La Seu Cathedral in Palma.
The ceremony follows a centuries-old ritual: a child or young singer in a white robe with a cloak walks through the darkened nave to the pulpit, holding a sword upright. There the Sibyl delivers the ancient verses in Catalan, unaccompanied or interspersed only with the organ. At the end, she traces a cross in the air with the sword. In the vast setting of the cathedral, lit only by candles and little else, it is a spine-tingling moment, even for visitors with no religious connection.
The roots of the chant reach back to the 10th century. After the Council of Trent it disappeared from the liturgy almost everywhere; only Mallorca and the Sardinian town of Alghero have kept the tradition alive without interruption.
Practical tips
- Getting there: The cathedral is in Palma's old town. Buses run a reduced service on Christmas Eve, so you are more flexible on foot or by taxi.
- Arrive early: Seats in the cathedral are limited and Midnight Mass is very popular. If you want a good view of the Sibil·la, be there well before the mass begins. Check the starting time in advance on the cathedral's website.
- Costs: Admission to Midnight Mass is free.
- Alternative: Smaller churches all over the island also perform the Sibil·la, often in a more intimate atmosphere and with fewer crowds.