What to expect
The Sant Silvestre is the New Year's Eve run found in many Spanish towns: on the morning or early afternoon of 31 December, in running gear or fancy dress, with children's races first and a main race over five to ten kilometres. On Mallorca it takes place in several towns at the same time, which is why this is one entry for the island rather than four separate pages. The question is "is there one here and where", not "tell me about the run in Inca".
- Palma: The capital's run starts in the woods of the Castell de Bellver, on forest paths with climbs and views over the bay. It is the island's biggest run of the day, with several distances and children's races.
- Calvià: A municipal run with a family feel, free or with a small entry fee in previous years.
- Inca: A town run through the centre, with prizes for costumes.
- Alcúdia: A run through the old town and along the city walls.
Dates, start times and above all the registration deadlines change every year. Several runs use online registration and were sold out before the start in previous years; others accept late entries on the day. The announcements usually appear from November on the websites of the municipalities and organisers. Until the 2026 details are published, the dates here are provisional.
Practical tips
- Register early: If you want to be sure of a place, register as soon as the announcement appears. The registration deadline matters more than the start time.
- Fancy dress: In Inca and Palma many people run in costume and there are prizes for it. If you just want to run, you will not stand out either.
- Your 31 December: The run is over by midday, the afternoon is free for shopping and preparations, and in the evening come the midnight bells at Plaça de Cort. In Palma the run can be combined with the Festa de l'Estendard in the old town, which takes place at the same time; doing both in one morning only works with a time buffer.
- Getting to Bellver: EMT lines towards Gènova and Son Armadams serve the Castell de Bellver; parking at the castle is limited and partly closed on race day. The current timetable is on the EMT website.
- Everything else about the day: What else applies on 31 December, from opening hours to getting home at night, is in our guide to New Year's Eve in Mallorca.