08 Jan 2016
Palma offers a range of diverse events throughout the year. From the winter fiestas in January to the autumn La Nit de L'Art; a unique showcase of performance, exhibitions and urban installations, there's something suitable for everyone.
Winter:
Palma's Fiestas de Sant Sebastià
One of Mallorca's biggest festivals, the Fiesta de Sant Sebastià is a unique winter festival taking place each January in Palma de Mallorca. Traditionally celebrated to honour the city's patron saint, Sant Sebastià, the fiestas see locals and visitors alike shake off the winter blues and indulge in huge outdoor barbecues, spectacular firework and light displays and lashings of cultural tradition.
For 2016, the festival will take place between 15 and 24 January. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant spectacle of light and fire and witness the “colles de dimonis” (gangs of devils) and the “bèsties de foc” (fire beasts) during the spectacular Correfoc procession from the Rambla, down Calle Unió to Plaza Joan Carles I.
Keep an eye on www.SeeMallorca.com for details and events listings.
Spring:
Semana Santa (20 – 26 March)
The whole week in Palma is jam packed with traditional rituals and processions to mark the Passion of Christ. The main processions are the 'Crist de la Sang' on Holy Thursday, the Holy Burial on Good Friday and the Procession of the Meeting on Easter Sunday.
www.visitpalma.com
361 Women's marathon in Palma
The 361 Women's Marathon will take place on 10 April 2016. This year a half marathon distance has been added to the existing marathon and 10k. Spearheaded by Kathrine Switzer, ambassador for female participation in sport and the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a registered entry (number 361) in 1967, the 361 Women's Marathon focuses on inclusivity, attracting women of all different running abilities. The three races follow the waterside with views over the Palma Cathedral and the Almudaina Palace, making it one of the most scenic routes in Europe.
http://www.261wm.com/
Sailing season
The sailing season kicks off in Palma on 25 March with the 47th edition of the Trofeo SAR Princesa Sofia. This regatta which runs until 2nd April is a qualifier event for ISAF World Cup Hyéres and is followed by the Gasstra – PalmaVela regatta, which takes place in Palma Bay from 4 – 8th May. Organised by the Real Club Nautico de Palma and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, over 120 boats are registered for the event every year and is it a great display for participants and spectators.
www.visitpalma.com
Palma Beach Rugby
From 30 April to 1 May 2016, visitors to Palma can enjoy a three day beach rugby festival, featuring international names from the rugby world. With both male and female events, as well as an under 18s championships, the event celebrates sporting talent in the beautiful setting of Playa de Palma attracting players from Spain, France, United Kingdom, Germany and Belgium.
Merging sport and art, world renowned graffiti artist Raul Ruiz will showcase his talent throughout the festival and guests can also enjoy a variety of dance displays, from African dance to Hip Hop.
www.mallorcarugbyevents.com
Summer:
Ella International Women Festival
Taking place from 28 May to 6th June, Ella International Women Festival is the first festival of the season, created for the modern LGBT woman. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities such as inspirational talks, art exhibitions, outdoor concerts and sport activities.
http://www.ellafestival.com/
Copa del Rey
The Regatta Copa del Rey has had 35 editions and is now one of the largest regattas in the Mediterranean and one of the most prestigious in Europe. The event is part of the 52 Super Series and of the Soto 40 European Tour 2016. Copa del Rey will be taking place in August, with specific dates are to be announced soon.
http://www.regatacopadelrey.com/
Autumn:
La Nit de L'Art
Palma celebrates, Mallorca's premier art event with around 15,000 visitors descending on the city to explore and discover some of the most exciting exhibitions, performances, video-installations and urban installations in a mix of traditional art venues such as cafes, private apartments, studios, balconies and facades of historic buildings. This event takes place in September with specific dates yet to be announced.
http://www.nitdelartartpalma.com/en_home.html
Palma de Mallorca Marathon
Palma looks forward to hosting the second edition of the renamed Palma de Mallorca Marathon (formerly known as the Tui Marathon) offering a 10k, a half marathon and a full length marathon. The race starts by the sea in the Passeig Marítim, opposite the Palma cathedral and offers one of Europe's most attractive routes taking place on October 16th.
http://www.palmademallorcamarathon.com/
Evolution of Mallorca International Film Festival
The Evolution Mallorca International Film Festival (EMIFF) showcases innovative, provocative and socially relevant filmmaking aiming to position Palma as a global destination for creative communities. In previous years the festival has offered four unique screening locations, the Teatro Principal; one the city's oldest and most emblematic cinemas, Cineciutat for art-house lovers, the museum of modern art, Es Baluard, and one of the most emblematic baroque-style buildings in the city which today functions as lifestyle shop Rialto Living. The festival embraces Palma's rich cultural legacy and is a springboard for promising new talent of all genres. Mallorca's International Film Festivals will be taking place in November with specific dates yet to be announced.
Http://www.evolutionfilmfestival.com/