What to expect
Sant Sebastià is Palma's patron saint, and around his name day on 20 January the city celebrates its biggest festival of the year. The highlight is the Nit de Sant Sebastià on the evening of 19 January: stages are set up on several old town squares, with bands playing from around 7 pm until well past midnight. Each square has its own musical style, from rock and pop to Mallorcan folk. The Plaça Major, the Plaça de Cort and the Plaça del Rei Joan Carles I are traditionally among the liveliest spots.
Between the stages burn Foguerons, the typical fire bowls and bonfires. Many Palmesanos bring Sobrassada, Botifarrons or chops and grill them right over the embers. If you have nothing with you, the stalls sell food and drinks. The mood is exuberant but family-friendly: from groups of teenagers to grandparents with folding chairs, the whole city is out on the streets.
On 20 January, the feast day itself, things stay quieter during the day before the Correfoc follows in the evening: Dimonis and fire runners parade through the streets around the Parc de la Mar with showers of sparks, drums and pyrotechnics. If you join in, wear long-sleeved cotton clothing and something on your head.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Best by bus, metro or on foot. Many old town streets are closed and finding a parking space on Verbena night is practically hopeless.
- Crowds: The night of 19 January is very full, especially between 10 pm and 1 am. With children, the early evening is your best bet.
- Costs: All concerts and the Correfoc are free. You pay for food and drinks at the stalls yourself, and you can bring your own food for the grill.
- Correfoc safety: Flying sparks are part of the spectacle. Keep your distance if you are not wearing protective clothing, and with small children it is better to watch from the sidelines.