Festivals of Majorca
Moors and Christians Festival in Soller:
Majorca has many traditional and religious festivals, and moreover it seems like there is some festival every week. If you are in the middle of one, it can highlight your vacation.
One of the most interesting festivals is a holiday with pirates. Every year on the second Sunday of May, locals gather in groups that represent the Moors and Christians. There are lots of street battles and fireworks. This is a very interesting family day out. In the streets of Soller you may notice lots of energy, color and noise. Especially young ones enjoy the amazing fireworks and pirate battles.
Medieval market:
During the third week of May, another medieval festival is celebrated in the city of Capdepera. During these days, its castle is decorated with numerous flags that take it to the 14th century (the days when the castle was built).
Medieval costumes are everywhere and they contribute to the special atmosphere in the castle. You can also feel the spirit of medieval trading; you can shop everything from jewelry to sausages.
If you are planning to visit the city and its castle, this is the best time to go.
Saint John’s festival:
The celebration of Saint John in Palma is held on the 21st June. This is one of the craziest nights in Palma. However, for families with children there is a tranquil celebration on the beach. Families gather on the beach and have dinner together. When the sun goes down, they light candles and torches in front of the sea front.
For more adventurous people, the party starts after the sunset. The party starts near the cathedral with fireworks. There is even a tradition where young men jump over the fires.
Grape festival:
Another interesting festival is held in Binissalem. Locals call it Las Festa des Vermar or Sa Vermada. This festival lasts for two weeks in September. The main events are grape treading competition and grape battle.
Grape treading is held near the local church. There are hundreds of people that make groups so that they can compete. There are two types of competitions. The first lasts for four minutes and it is meant for younger population to tread or squeeze two bags of grapes with bare feet.
The other group has three minutes for the same task. There is also one rule that says if you are in the barrel, you need to squeeze grapes with bare feet and you must keep your hands on the shoulders of your partner. Grape battle is not internationally recognized like the La Tomatina festival. Young inhabitants of Binissalem take part in this battle.