Colors of Mallorca - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Majorca is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the world. Despite the heavy foreign travelers’ traffic and peculiar to upscale health resorts buzz and rush Majorca has managed to preserve its unique cultural atmosphere. For many years the main symbol of the resort is mills. The island hosts about two thousands of mills scattered around its territory. There are as flour mills so water mills. About 300 mills are totally restored and renovated and are in working condition now.

The island is rich in original national holidays and fests which are held there almost every month. The Sant Pere Festival is an original and unique fest. It is dedicated to the fishermen protector. Fishing is still one of the main crafts of the local folks. Few centuries ago sea foods were the only chance of local people to ensure ones living. Since that time this is an established tradition of every city of the island to honor and treat the fishermen protector, to organize festive parades and bright performances in honor of the protector.

Ceramics production is another interesting ethnic craft. This craft features its own national fest as well. Scale fair and sale of ceramic products is held on the 30th of June in the city of Marratxi. In the Middle Ages the city was famous for its ceramists. Since that time the ceramic products of local production are considered to be of the highest quality and ultimate beauty. Many tourists visit the fair as an exhibition to view and enjoy the superlative beauty of ceramic goods. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Verge del Carme Festival will be of great interest for tourists as well. It takes place in July and performs a variety of exciting entertaining events. The city embankment is an established place for parades and the large open air stages are filled with famous musicians and thespians. Gastronomy tourism enthusiasts will love Majorca during the Wine Festival. Every city celebrates the fest keeping to original traditions. The eternal feature of the festival in every city is plenty of astonishing wine and delicious treats.

Many cities of Majorca celebrate the St. Bartholomew Day or the Fiesta of Sant Bartomeu. The Festival of Chinese lanterns is celebrated in Alcudia. The event is considered to be the most unique and inimitable national fest. The streets of the old quarter of the city see the scale parade. All the kids participating in the parade should have handmade lanterns. These are commonly made of melons or watermelons however kids’ fantasy commonly goes far beyond these lantern inventions.

A notable event in the festival life of Majorca is the carnival Sa Rueta (or Darrers Dies, which means "last days" in Spanish), the dates of which vary depending on the date of Easter, but usually, the event takes place in mid or late February. The largest events are held in the capital of Mallorca, Palma, but carnival takes place everywhere in the major cities of the archipelago. Venues (that is, the Central streets of cities) are beautifully decorated, colourful processions pass through them, fun contests and games are organized for visitors. Nobody will get bored here during the festivals.

At the beginning of May, the colourful festival Moros i Cristians is held in Soller, including battles between people dressed as Moors and Christians. The event pays tribute to Spanish history — as it is known, equally influenced by the culture of Spain as Arabs and Christians. In addition to theatrical performances, the audience will enjoy fireworks, costume parades, as well as music and dance program. A popular holiday on the island is the Day in honour of St. Anthony which is held in mid-January in small villages of the island. Special attention is paid to agriculture in small towns and villages, the settlements can not miss the celebration in honour of the patron of animals and crafts. At this time, there are costumed parades, locals and guests of Mallorca dance to hot Spanish music.

Nit del Foc, which is held on the eve of the summer solstice (June 23-24) in the capital of the archipelago is accompanied by huge fireworks and magnificent fire shows, being one of the most significant events in the festival calendar of the whole Mallorca. Amazing fire fountains are installed in the Parc de la Mar, charming with its mystery. In mid-may, Capdepera, famous for its medieval atmosphere, hosts one of the most popular craft fairs in the entire island. Visiting the market is a great opportunity to experience the local culture by tasting traditional dishes and enjoying folk music and dancing. You should definitely buy a unique souvenir of local craftsmen which will remind you of great time on Mallorca.

Mallorca hosts two exhibitions of the best ships that sail in the expanses of the Atlantic ocean and the Mediterranean sea. The first is called the Palma Boat Show and takes place in Palma. It takes place at the end of April in the picturesque Harbor of the capital of Majorca. Moreover, after the exhibits, you can also ride on luxury ships. At the beginning of June, the exhibition is held in the port of Adriano, where magnificent yachts are presented to the visitors of the festival. At the beginning of August, an equally colorful event is held here— Regata Copa del Rey, one of the most significant events in the world of sailing. The festival is annually attended by the Royal family, its members can be seen at the controls of one of the luxury yachts participating in the regatta. The regatta begins at the picturesque Harbor of the island's capital.

Mallorca has plenty of music festivals, most of them take place in the summer, in the midst of the tourist season. You can listen to romantic jazz in July in the Central streets of Inca, which is located in the centre of the island. La Puebla also loves this genre, musical concerts are held here at the beginning of the hot August (Sa Pobla Jazz Festival). It should be noted that you can visit both events absolutely for free. No less interesting is Deià International Music Festival which is held in early May in Deia, specifically-in the Museum Son Marroig. It is dedicated to classical music in all its manifestations, and you can listen to concerts of symphonic music on weekends during the summer season.

In addition to Deià International Music Festival, the island hosts four other festivals that are dedicated to classical music. Bellver Castle, which is located in the capital of Mallorca, is one of the main attractions of the city, it hosts hundreds of maestros and musical groups performances in the summer, the festival that is held during August in the Valdemosa in Monasterio La Cartuja is also interesting for tourists. The festival is called Chopin Classical Music Festival, where you can listen to not only classical music, but also classics in modern processing. Another festival is held in Pollenca in August (the venues are the cultural institutions of the city), another fest is held in early October in Porte de Soller, and it is dedicated to piano music.