Inca Becomes Island Capital for the Day

It is thought that after several years of bad weather, yesterdays sunny skies helped with the dramatic increase in attendees to the days festivities when Inca takes over from Palma for one day only, and becomes the capital of Mallorca. Although the origins of the festival are unknown there are speculations that it dates back to the 13th century or is maybe even of Islamic origin.

One thing, however, we can be sure of...it is a HUGE day in the Inca calendar and one of the most popular celebrations on Mallorca. Starting early in the morning with some 500 market stalls setting up along an 8km strip through the town centre, the festivities go on throughout the day with markets, exhibitions, music and dancing and goes on late into the night with fireworks and music to end the day.

This year saw the first display of 'ham cutting'...which proved to be very popular. The World's Best Cutter, Florencio Sanchidrian who has also been appointed ambassador of Iberian ham by the International Academy of Gastronomy spent the day teaching his 'artform' to interested festival goers.

There were also livestock exhibitions and competitions with prizes awarded for the best specimens of the Mallorcan black pig! Offering great entertainment for all and the chance for the general public to experience the world of farming in Mallorca.

The town council has estimated that over 200,000 people attended the event yesterday and the local police were pleased to report that the day passed with very little incident.