Spending time in Mallorca, whether you make it a short visit or your permanent home, can always be magical.  However Christmas time makes it extra special and the celebrations and fiestas in Mallorca that surround this time of year are not be missed.

It all begins in the centre of Palma at the end of November where crowds gather for the turning on of the Christmas lights, these are found adorning most of Palmas main streets, Plaças and medieval alleys.

The Three Kings fair and markets bring alive Plaça Major, Ramblas and Plaça de’Espanya.  Make sure you visit them as the variety of handmade nativity sets available, as well as gifts for loved ones or simply a treat for yourself, make the trip into the cold well worth it.   After shopping is done, grab a bite to eat at any of the many Christmas street stalls or local tapas restaurants in Palma and then make your way to the ice rink, found in Plaça d’Espanya, to work it all off!    Of course various Christmas celebrations and fiestas take place throughout the island, each town and village celebrating in their own unique way, so keep a look out in cafe windows, Mallorca tourist websites  or ask at the local tourist information for what is happening in the area.

Nit de Nadal (Christmas Eve) is a night where families gather together for dinner and then go to Church for Misa de Gallo (Midnight Mass), a popular tradition for Mallorcan families.  Here the Sibil-la (Chant of the Sybil), which is a UNESCO  World Heritage listed song dating back to 10^th century Catalonia, is performed.  After Mass friends and families go home or socialise out in the streets with hot chocolate and cake.

Christmas day is celebrated in the traditional western fashion, families gather together for a special meal and gifts are exchanged.  December 26^th is also a bank holiday and New Years eve is traditionally celebrated by eating 12 grapes at midnight, one for each church bell chime.

The most important event on the Christmas calendar however is Dia de Reyes, or Three Kings day on 6^th January.  This follows the biblical passage where the Three Kings or Wise Men followed the brightest star in the sky to Bethlehem where they looked upon the Christ Child.

They bought with them gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.  On this day children receive gifts from their families and a cake called ‘Rosca de Reyes’ (kings ring) is baked.  Traditionally a round cake which is decorated with dried fruits, a small trinket symbolic of the lord Jesus is hidden inside.  Whoever finds the trinket in their portion can enjoy being ‘king for a day’.

Three Kings day is celebrated all over Spain (as well as in other countries such as South America and India), and the festivities begin a day earlier on the 5^th, when the Three Kings will arrive by boat or land into towns and villages throughout Mallorca (by boat into Palma for instance) where they will disembark and parade through the city, throwing gifts and sweets to the children in the crowds that have come especially to see them.  This is a magical day not to be missed, bring your camera, warm clothes, the remainder of Christmas cheer and good hopes and warm wishes for the new year ahead…

Balearic Properties Real Estate Agents  hope that you enjoy the wonderful Christmas celebrations in Mallorca this year and wish you a very happy Christmas.

About Anouska
Over the years myself and my husband have loved exploring all over the world. After our first visit to Mallorca we knew we wanted to move here and make this beautiful island our home.