September in the ‘hidden valley’ of Mallorca – my favorite season of the year. There is something about the light in Mallorca at this time, especially the light over the mountains. It is so clear that you seem able to reach out and touch the pine forests that dot the mountainside and you know you are basked in the painter’s aura. At least that’s what the artists say, the ones that sit with easel poised, drinking in the scene before putting it down on canvas.
This is the time that clusters of artists can be found under the tuition of a master who has brought them to this magical place. Painting holidays are very popular in Soller and its Port and it’s not surprising. The spectacular autumn sunrises and the flocks of birds preparing for migration south give a never ending supply of beautiful subjects. The birds practice their formation in the sky alongside the mountains and then swoop over the sea to show how clever they are. They roost in large trees making chattering noises like excited school children and then give a magnificent display or two before heading off on the next lap of their journey to Africa. This is a truly special time to be on holiday in Mallorca.
September takes the children back to school and the shops are full of the ‘must have’ school bags and pencil cases. I have done my duty lately and escorted my two granddaughters on shopping expeditions to Palma. Sponge Bob Square Pants is the bag of choice for the six year old and a more conservative Converse bag for the sophisticated ten year old. It really doesn’t matter where you live, this annual ritual still has to go on. School uniforms, homework and school gossip have taken the place of the ten weeks spent on the beach or in the pool. Mallorca’s children are settling down into the autumn and all it brings. From now on, the beach is strictly reserved for weekends and the priority shifts to homework!
September for the holidaymakers is still hot with temperatures up into the 80’s every day. The sea is a little cooler and the swimming pool positively freezing when you first get in. It is surprising the difference the lower night time temperatures make to the water. Our visitors are still on the beach and in the beautiful clear sea every day – they just get dressed a little sooner than they did a few weeks ago. There is still plenty left of the season and this Friday and Saturday17th & 18th September we have the promise of Cuban rhythms to keep us warm. The first gathering of ‘Trobadores & Haveneras’ takes place on the beach of the Port of Soller. This is all going to happen on the Repic Beach in front of Agopanto Restaurant. There are many Cubans who live in Mallorca and they bring very exciting music and dancing to the area and this weekend they are celebrating. There are posters all over town telling us that it is all going to kick off at 8.30pm on both nights. The heat of the sun will have just gone down as the dancing begins. This event is sponsored by some of the local restaurants so there will be plenty of food and drink alongside the music of the night. A lively, noisy night is on its way – hope you enjoy it.
