Mallorca never stops. All year round, its towns and cities transform to host unique celebrations filled with history, symbolism, music and food. The island’s popular festivals are one of the best ways to experience its authentic identity and the warm, joyful spirit that wins visitors over.
If you want to enjoy them your way, a rental car is the smart choice. With flexible schedules and custom routes, you can hop between municipalities based on their festivities—no public transport constraints, no missing out.
Here’s a guide to the year’s most important celebrations and how to make the most of them with a car.
Mallorca celebrates all year: traditions that surprise
Mallorca’s festive calendar runs from January to December, from pagan traditions to centuries-old religious events and contemporary festivals that fill the island with life. Highlights include:
Sant Antoni & San Sebastián — fire and “dimonis” (January)
In January, Sant Antoni (17 January) and San Sebastián (20 January) kick off the year. Inland towns like Sa Pobla, Artà and Muro light giant bonfires, grill in the streets and welcome the “dimonis”, devilish figures dancing among fireworks.
In Palma, San Sebastián is the big one: open-air concerts, cultural events and a festive vibe across the city.
Carnival — parades, costumes and satire (February)
Mallorcan Carnival is known as “Sa Rua” and “Sa Rueta”. Palma and many towns host colourful parades with floats, fancy dress and tongue-in-cheek humour. Great for families, with daytime activities and concerts at night.
Medieval fairs and Moors & Christians (spring)
In May and June, many villages relive their history with medieval festivities. A standout is Es Firó de Sóller, recreating the battle between Moors and Christians with dramatic staging at the port.
In Capdepera, the medieval fair turns the town into a 14th-century market with crafts, early music and street performances.
Summer festivities: fire, sea and tradition
Summer is the festive heart of the island. Look out for:
- Sant Pere (29 June) and Our Lady of Mount Carmel (16 July): patrons of sailors, with maritime processions in ports like Port de Sóller, Cala Figuera and Alcúdia.
- Sant Jaume (25 July): celebrated in towns like Alcúdia with sports, street parties and shows.
- Assumption of Mary and Sant Roc (August): especially popular in Pollença, Alaró and Montuïri, mixing tradition with water fights, correfocs and concerts.
Autumn & winter: roots, culture and devotion
Year’s end also brings cherished celebrations:
- Inca Fair (November): one of Mallorca’s largest fairs, with agricultural market, local cuisine and crafts.
- Festa de l’Estendard (31 December): commemorates King Jaume I’s entry into Palma; considered one of Europe’s oldest civic festivities.
- El Cant de la Sibil·la (24 December): a medieval liturgical chant performed on Christmas Eve across the island, listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Summer pulse: major up-to-date festivals
Mallorca Live Festival
The Balearics’ biggest music festival takes place in Calvià, bringing national and international artists together in a unique natural setting. With an increasingly diverse line-up, it draws thousands and turns Mallorca into a Mediterranean music capital.
Events in coastal towns
Throughout summer, many seaside towns host:
- Open-air cinema
- Water festivals
- Paella contests
- Street parties
The perfect complement to a road trip, blending beach time, food and fun.
Tradition in the streets: standout local fiestas
Mallorca also shines in its most local celebrations. Don’t miss:
- Sopar a Penyes in Porto Colom (July): a huge community dinner on the beach with live music, local dishes and fireworks.
- Benedicció de Sant Antoni in Muro: pets receive blessings during a rural, much-loved festival.
- Nuestra Señora de la Salud in Palma (September): the city’s patronal feast with solemn mass, procession and cultural activities.
Why drive to enjoy them to the fullest?
Many fiestas are held in inland towns or coastal areas not always well connected by public transport. Renting a car in Mallorca lets you:
- Attend multiple fiestas in different towns on the same day
- Stay out late without worrying about the trip back
- Carry everything you need: spare clothes, beach gear, cool box
- Stop at viewpoints, local markets or hidden coves between celebrations
With Autos Mallorca you pick up your car right at the airport, with zero excess, no card holds and unlimited mileage—so you can tour the island worry-free.
Festival road trip: sample autumn route
Travelling in autumn? Try this perfect day:
- Morning: browse Sineu’s local market, then a traditional breakfast in Inca.
- Afternoon: head inland for a traditional fair like Algaida or Llucmajor.
- Night: back to Palma for the Festa de l’Estendard vibe or an open-air cultural event.
Practical tips to enjoy the fiestas
- Check local calendars: many town halls post programmes on social media.
- Arrive early: some towns restrict traffic during fiestas.
- Use parking apps to find free spots.
- Wear comfy clothes and bring water, especially in summer.
- If you drink, drive responsibly: roadside checks are common in Mallorca.
Experience Mallorca’s popular fiestas
Exploring Mallorca during its fiestas is unforgettable—the best way to feel the island’s soul, enjoy its hospitality and connect with deep-rooted traditions.
With a rental car from Autos Mallorca, you can experience all these celebrations without limits—choosing your own route, in comfort and without hassle. Every fiesta is better when you decide how and when.
