How public holidays work in Mallorca
If you are coming from Germany, you will quickly notice that the public holiday system in Mallorca works differently from what you are used to. Instead of uniform holidays for the entire country, there are three overlapping levels. This can be confusing at first, especially when you suddenly find yourself standing in front of a locked door even though "everything was open yesterday".
Spain has national holidays that apply everywhere. On top of these come regional holidays of the Balearic Islands. And then each of the 53 municipalities in Mallorca has the right to set two of its own local holidays. In practice this means: Palma can be a perfectly normal working day while Soller or Pollenca is completely closed because a patron-saint festival is being celebrated there.
In total you get around 14 days off per year in Mallorca. That is more than in most German federal states, though the distribution throughout the year is different.
Puente - the Spanish bridge day
If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, many Spaniards take a so-called "puente" (bridge). The Monday before or the Friday after is also taken off. Authorities and many businesses follow this pattern. Plan your errands and shopping in good time whenever a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday.
National public holidays
These holidays apply throughout Spain. They are set by the central government in Madrid and are binding for all 17 autonomous communities.
1 January - Ano Nuevo (New Year's Day)
Just as in Germany, the first day of the year is celebrated. Spaniards traditionally welcome the new year with the "doce uvas" - twelve grapes eaten at the twelve strokes of midnight. Each grape represents a month and is said to bring good luck. If you spend New Year's Eve in Mallorca, you will see this ritual everywhere.
6 January - Dia de Reyes (Epiphany / Three Kings Day)
For Spaniards this day is more important than Christmas itself, at least when it comes to gifts. On the eve (5 January) the Cabalgata de Reyes takes place - a large procession through the streets in which the Three Kings ride on magnificently decorated floats and throw sweets to the children. In Palma this procession is particularly impressive, drawing thousands of spectators. The 6th January is the day the children receive their presents. In the morning there is traditionally the Roscon de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake with a small figurine baked inside.
Holy Thursday and Good Friday - Jueves Santo and Viernes Santo
Easter is a serious matter in Mallorca. The Semana Santa (Holy Week) is celebrated with processions in which brotherhoods in traditional robes walk through the streets of Palma. These processions have a centuries-old tradition and are deeply embedded in Mallorcan culture. Holy Thursday and Good Friday are non-working days. Unlike Germany, Easter Monday is also a public holiday in Mallorca.
1 May - Dia del Trabajo (Labour Day)
Just as in Germany, 1 May is Labour Day. Trade unions organise demonstrations and rallies, but for most Mallorcans it is simply a day off, often used for outings or the first beach day of the season.
15 August - Asuncion de la Virgen (Assumption of Mary)
This Catholic holiday falls right in the middle of high season. The beaches are packed, restaurants are fully booked and the island is bursting at the seams. In many municipalities patron-saint festivals take place on this day, as the Virgin Mary is the patron saint of numerous towns in Mallorca.
12 October - Fiesta Nacional de Espana (Spanish National Day)
The Dia de la Hispanidad commemorates Columbus's arrival in the Americas in 1492. In Madrid there is a large military parade; in Mallorca the day is observed more quietly. There are occasional events, but for most people it is simply a day off without major celebrations.
1 November - Dia de Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day)
On this day families visit the graves of their deceased and decorate them with flowers. The cemeteries in Mallorca are full of people on this day. It is a reflective, quiet holiday. Many bakeries sell traditional "huesos de santo" (Saint's bones) - small marzipan rolls with various fillings.
6 December - Dia de la Constitucion (Constitution Day)
This holiday commemorates the adoption of the Spanish constitution of 1978, which restored democracy in Spain after the end of the Franco dictatorship. In combination with 8 December (Immaculate Conception) it often results in a long weekend that Spaniards call the "puente de diciembre". Many use these days for a short trip.
8 December - Inmaculada Concepcion (Immaculate Conception)
A Catholic holiday celebrating the immaculate conception of the Virgin Mary. Together with 6 December it forms the famous December bridge weekend.
25 December - Navidad (Christmas Day)
Christmas in Mallorca is different from Germany. The weather is mild (often around 15 degrees), and the focus is on the family meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A Christmas tree is less common; instead, nativity scenes (Belenes) are the centrepiece of decorations. In many churches live nativity scenes are performed. 26 December is also a public holiday in the Balearic Islands, which is not the case in all autonomous communities of Spain.
Regional public holidays
These holidays apply only in the Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera). They are set by the Balearic Government.
1 March - Dia de les Illes Balears (Day of the Balearic Islands)
The most important regional holiday. On 1 March 1983 the Balearic Statute of Autonomy came into force, giving the islands their self-governance. This day is the symbol of Balearic identity and is celebrated with cultural events, concerts and traditional folk festivals. In Palma there are markets with local produce, performances of Mallorcan folk dances and music. If 1 March falls on a Sunday, the holiday is moved to Monday.
For many Mallorcans this day is an important expression of their own cultural identity, which consciously sets itself apart from central Spanish culture. The Balearic language (Catala/Mallorqui), the islands' own history and an island way of life take centre stage on this day.
Easter Monday - Dilluns de Pasqua
In the Balearic Islands Easter Monday is a regional public holiday. In many parts of Spain it is not a day off. Mallorcans traditionally use Easter Monday for family outings and picnics. In many places the so-called "Pancaritats" take place, where families go out into the countryside together and eat there.
Local public holidays
Each of the 53 municipalities in Mallorca sets two of its own local holidays every year. These are usually the patron-saint festivals of the town - holidays in honour of the patron saint.
Palma - 20 January: Sant Sebastia
The most important local holiday in Palma. Saint Sebastian was declared patron saint of the city after the plague struck Palma in the 16th century. In 1524 a relic of the saint (an arm bone) was brought to Palma and the plague subsequently receded. In 1634 Sant Sebastia was officially named patron saint, replacing the previous patron, l'Angel Custodi (the Guardian Angel).
The celebrations begin days in advance. On the eve (19 January) the Revetlla de Sant Sebastia takes place - one of the island's biggest street festivals. In the squares of Palma's old town, huge bonfires (foguerons) are lit, around which people grill and celebrate. Bands of all musical styles play on various stages, and tens of thousands of people celebrate into the early hours.
The fires have a symbolic meaning: they are said to recall the fires lit during the plague to purify the air of pathogens.
Palma - 24 June: Sant Joan (Midsummer Night)
The second local holiday in Palma. The Nit de Sant Joan (Midsummer Night) on 23 June is the shortest night of the year and is celebrated throughout Spain. In Mallorca it is particularly spectacular. Huge bonfires are lit on the beach in Palma, fireworks light up the sky and people jump into the sea at midnight, which is said to bring luck and cleansing.
The tradition goes back to pre-Christian solstice celebrations that were later merged with the feast of John the Baptist. The fire represents the power of the sun on the longest day.
Sant Antoni - 17 January (local in many municipalities)
One of the most lively and authentic festivals in Mallorca. Sant Antoni Abat (Saint Anthony the Great) is the patron saint of animals. The celebrations are especially intense in Sa Pobla, Arta, Manacor and Pollenca.
On the eve (16 January) large fires (foguerons) are lit. What makes it special: costumed devils (dimonis) dance through the streets and frighten the spectators. They are led by the Dimoni Gros, the great devil. This spectacle symbolises the struggle between good and evil, between Sant Antoni and the devil.
On the day itself the Beneides takes place, at which domestic and farm animals are blessed. Farmers bring their horses, dogs, cats and even tortoises to the priest. The procession of decorated animals is a wonderful sight.
Sant Antoni in Sa Pobla
If you want to experience just one local festival in Mallorca, go to Sa Pobla on 16 January. The bonfires there are the largest on the island, the Dimonis are the wildest and the atmosphere is extraordinary. The whole of Sa Pobla is out on the streets. Arrive early and dress warmly, because January in Mallorca can be cold.
Further local holidays (a selection)
Every municipality has its own patron-saint festivals. Here are some well-known examples:
Soller celebrates the "Moros i Cristians" on the second Monday of May - a re-enactment of the Moorish invasion of 1561, when the inhabitants of Soller repelled a pirate attack. Hundreds of residents dress as Moors and Christians and stage the battle. A real spectacle with cannons, sword fights and dramatic scenes in the port of Port de Soller.
Pollenca has its own "Moros i Cristians" festival on 2 August, commemorating the repulsion of a pirate attack in 1550. The procession of the "Mare de Deu dels Angels" up the 365 steps to the Calvary is particularly impressive.
Alcudia celebrates on 25 July with a holiday in honour of Sant Jaume (Saint James). The town with its medieval walls forms a perfect backdrop for traditional festivities with music, dancing and street food.
Valldemossa honours on 28 July Santa Catalina Thomas, the only Mallorcan saint. The houses are decorated with flowers and there are processions through the narrow lanes of the mountain village.
Important festivals and traditions
Besides the official public holidays, there are festivals in Mallorca that are not days off but nevertheless have a strong influence on public life.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
Holy Week before Easter is deeply rooted in Mallorca. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, processions take place in Palma and many other places. The Cofradias (brotherhoods) carry religious figures through the streets, accompanied by drummers and music. The pointed hoods of the penitents look unfamiliar to German eyes, but they have a centuries-old religious tradition. The Good Friday procession in Palma is the most impressive.
Nit de l'Art (September)
Palma's art night usually takes place in September. Galleries and museums open late into the night, with street art and performances. Not an official public holiday, but a cultural highlight.
Fira de Sineu, Fira de Llucmajor and other trade fairs
In autumn many municipalities hold traditional trade fairs (Fires). The Fira de Sineu and the Fira de Llucmajor are the most well-known. There are local products, handicrafts, livestock and plenty of food. These fairs reflect the rural soul of Mallorca.
Practical tips for daily life
On public holidays the rhythm of life in Mallorca changes noticeably. Here are a few things you should know:
Shopping: Supermarkets are closed on most public holidays. Some smaller shops in tourist areas may be open, but do not rely on it. Buy what you need the day before. Petrol station shops are often the last resort.
Authorities: All public institutions - from the town hall to the Policia Local to the immigration office (Extranjeria) - are closed on public holidays. Plan your official errands so you do not run into a public holiday or a bridge weekend. Around the December bridge (6 and 8 December) and during Holy Week in particular, many offices are unreachable for days at a time.
Restaurants: Many restaurants are open on public holidays, often with a special set menu. In tourist areas the catering trade is almost always running. In more local areas restaurants may be closed, especially on the big family holidays such as Christmas and Three Kings Day.
Traffic: On public holidays and especially on long weekends the motorways around Palma are heavily congested. On the Friday before and the Sunday after a bridge weekend you can expect queues, especially on the Ma-19 towards Llucmajor and the Ma-13 towards Inca.
Check local holidays: If you have an important appointment in a specific municipality, check in advance whether there is a local holiday. Local holidays are published every year in the BOIB (Butlleti Oficial de les Illes Balears). The easiest method: ask at your town hall or check your municipality's website.
Use Google Calendar
Add the public holidays to your Google Calendar. Google offers a Spanish holiday calendar, but it only includes the national holidays. You need to add the regional and local holidays yourself. That way you will never be caught standing in front of a locked door.