Event Previews & Reviews from Mallorca

A trip to Deià on the north coast of Majorca is a must for anyone wishing to experience the diversity that this beautiful island has to offer.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations may be over in the UK, but here on Mallorca, we enjoyed a quintessential English garden party at La Residencia Hotel in Deia to mark the British monarch’s 60th year on the throne.

The drive or bus ride to the small mountain village of Estellenchs, in the southwest corner of Mallorca, is quite breathtaking in its beauty. If sand, sangria and discos are your thing then read no further. However, for the discerning lover of pure and unspoiled Mediterranean countryside read on. How to get there? If you have a car at your disposal, so much the better. If not, head to the Plaza España underground bus terminal in central Palma and take the red and yellow IB 11 or 217 (beware, the numbers are frequently changed just to keep you on your toes! Obviously, the key is to look for the names of the villages (Palma) – Esporles – Banyalbufar – Estellenchs). If you are fortunate enough to miss the last bus back (18.05, when I enquired) you could do a lot worse than to check into the small, family run hotel called Sa Plana, but more of that later.

Last weekend saw the 9th edition of Mallorca’s Almond Fair, known to the locals as Fira de la Flor d'Ametler. The event celebrating Mallorca’s famous almonds attracted thousands of people who travelled to the peaceful village of Son Servera in the east of the island.

This is Soller’s weekend of the ‘Apropa’t A L’Art’. Literally translated means ‘come to the art’ and it is the three days of the year when art, music and poetry are honoured in our town. On the 6th, 7th & 8th August from 6 pm onwards, many of our fine buildings are open to the public to view the paintings and participate in the music and poetry – it’s like a mini Eisteddfod here.

On a summers evening, I headed deep into the depths of Palma’s old town to join in the fun and frolics of the city’s legendary ‘Tapas Tuesday Tour’, known and advertised as Ruta Martiana on the island.

This weekend saw the BVAW beach volleyball tournament in Alcudia. From the 22nd to the 24th of May the beach filled up with couples in volley vests, short shorts and tiny bikinis leaping, diving and spiking in an attempt to be crowned winners of the Beach Volleyball Around the World’s 2015 tournament.

Nit de Foc, or the direct English translation ‘Night of Fire’, is one of Mallorca’s biggest fiestas. A raucous evening of bonfires, beach parties, midnight swims, music and dancing until dawn. What more could you possibly want from a Friday evening in Mallorca? I was extremely excited to get involved this year, as there had been a lot of hype in the lead up to the evening with locals, expats and tourists all getting involved.

This was the 13th year of the Pollença Wine Fair which showcases the best in Mallorcan wines. It was held at the Claustre de Sant Domingo in Pollença on 16 and 17 April 2016 and was possibly the most important event on the island that weekend.  

In recent years, Mallorca has embraced the street food trend that has hit Western Europe, with food festivals popping up at various events around the island. This new found love went to the next level, as the first weekend in June saw Barcelona’s legendary VAN VAN make its debut trip across the Spanish waters to Palma’s Parc de la Mar, next to the city's iconic cathedral.

The Mallorca Live Festival, to be held on 29th and 30th April this year, offers up sixteen eclectic and colourful hours of music, art, food and design.

Pitched in a large tent on the outskirts of Mallorca’s capital city of Palma, Grup Trui hosted this years Mallorcan take on the German beer festival, the Oktoberfest. Frothy litres of beer and currywurst were served by waiters and waitresses in traditional German dress and a band played classic tunes to entertain the crowds.

The ‘Ruta del Tapeo’ started in Puerto Pollensa in March this year to encourage locals and tourists alike to sample the culinary delights of bars, cafes and restaurants around this North Majorcan town. The Ruta is held every Thursday evening from 8pm til midnight and is a bargain at only €1.50 for a small glass of beer or wine with a tapa. The Ruta is a great opportunity to try new places and to make friends with others on the trail.

Nikki Beach are famous for their exceptional parties, and Dubai Meets Mallorca on Saturday 3rd September was yet again another amazing event with a fantastic, fun filled atmosphere.

Santanyi's weekend market is one of the better markets on Mallorca. It's not a big market, certainly not as big as the sprawling market at Sineu, but it has some interesting stalls with unusual gifts to take home, some fresh local produce and even some clothing and art.