Palma de Mallorca, 19th Oct 05

TEN MUST DO'S AT CHRISTMAS - MALLORCA STYLE

A round up of some of the most traditional and less traditional ideas for Christmas on Mallorca.

Mallorca, by and large, celebrates Christmas in traditional Spanish style, although over the years the foreign community has increasingly influenced the festivities with their own customs. However, the deep rooted Catholic traditions of Christmas, combined with Spanish and Mallorcan culture, make this time of year very special on the island. Herewith a round up of 10 festive related must do’s :

1) Nativity Scenes Around Palma

This is one of the most typical and traditional things to do at Christmas. The visitor can see some of the most beautiful, ornate and oldest nativity scenes around Palma, for example, in the “Iglesia de la Sang”, the crib dates back to 1480. In Palma Town Hall the nativity scene reflects island life and all the figures are handmade. Other nativity scenes on display include: Can Marquès, Caputixines, La Misericòrdia, Paseo de la Artesania and Santa Magdalena. Further information can be obtained from any of the local tourist offices.

2) Christmas Markets

A large selection of Christmas goods, including everything you need to make your own nativity scene, will go on sale in early December in Palma’s two main plazas: Placa Major and Placa España. In addition, live street entertainment will be taking place around the city each weekend leading up to Christmas. Christmas Shopping - the majority of shops throughout Palma are open throughout the day (although some traditionally close at lunchtime). The strength of sterling makes Mallorca particularly good value for the British on a wide selection of goods over prices in the UK.

3) Christmas Food & Wine

The local ministry of agriculture has been promoting local produce via its “Rutas de Bon Gust” (Food & Wine Tasting Routes) and particularly the island’s developing wine industry. At this time of year, most of the bodegas featured in their programme, provide special packaging with purchases of wine, which makes the ideal gift. Information is given in English on their website: www.illesbalearsqualitat.com

Many of the hotels on the island offer Christmas and New Year Packages and special menus. For example, British owned and managed Read’s Hotel, is offering a 3 day package over Christmas from 990 euros per person plus local tax, to include meals created by the hotel’s Michelin star rated chef, Marc Fosh. For more details: Tel: + 34 971 140261 or www.readshotel.com.

On the other side of the island overlooking the mountain village of Puigpunyent, The Gran Hotel Son Net, is offering 5 nights accommodation over the festive period to include all meals, use of the sauna and gymnasium and a rental car for 6 days. Prices start at 845 euros per person. Further information:
Tel: (+34) 971 147 000 or www.sonnet.es.

For more details on Mallorca’s hotels: www.mallorcahotelguide.com

4) Baleart – Handicrafts Fair

A great place to pick up unusual Christmas gifts is at this exhibition, which is held from December 3 – 11 at Palma’s exhibition hall at the entrance of the city. For more information: Tel: + 34 971 77 13 02. www.firesicongressos.com

5) Anti- Aging Christmas !

For visitors who want to survive the festivities beyond Christmas then a visit to the new Klentze Anti-Aging Institute at the luxury Reserva de la Rotana hotel near Manacor is a must. The Anti-Aging Institute, the first of its kind on the island, opens on December 20th. The hotel is featuring its first Christmas package to include an anti-aging programme. Prices start from 4,355 euros per person.

According to Dr. Michael Klentze, the primary objective of anti aging therapy is to re-establish a balanced metabolism. To influence the aging process at molecular genetic and biochemical level to avert age-related illnesses and maintain vitality, fitness and youth. Further information, Tel: +34 971 84 56 85 www.reservarotana.com.

6) Christmas Concert

On December 20th The Balearic Symphony Orchestra will be performing Handel’s Messiah as the special Christmas concernt in Palma’s Auditorium. For tickets and further information: www.simfonica-de-balears.com or www.auditorium-pm.com Tel: + 34 971 73 47 35.

7) Midnight Mass Service

The traditional service will be in held in Palma’s magnificent cathedral at 11pm on December 24th. Further information: Tel: (+ 34) 971 72 31 30.

8) The Jaume 1st Christian Conquest Celebrations

On December 31st in Palma the city will commemorate the religious festivities and the anniversary of the Christian conquest of Palma by King Jaume 1st in 1229. The celebrations start in Placa Cort in the morning followed by a religious service in the Cathedral and a horse calvacade at midday. The celebrations continue with traditional Mallorcan dancing and music. Further information: Palma Town Hall www.palma-virtual.com Tel: (+34) 971 22 59 00.

9) New Year’s Eve

Everyone takes to the streets to greet the New Year all over the island. Traditionally bands play in front of the local town hall and the bells ring out the Old Year whilst revellers open bottles of “cava” and eat 12 grapes in time with the chimes up to midnight.

10) Three Kings – January 5th

On Mallorca, and indeed the whole of Spain, the main Christmas gifts are exchanged on this night. The arrival of the Three Kings (January 5th) is celebrated with elaborate parades throughout the island, sweets and presents are thrown to the children in the crowds. In Palma, the Three Kings arrive by boat and the main parade starts at the Paseo Maritimo and moves on through the old town. Further information from any local tourist office.

For further information, please contact:
Mallorca Tourist Board, Dominique Carroll / Anna Skidmore,
Tel:(+34) 971 725 396 Fax: (+34) 971 713 540
E-Mail: info@fomentmallorca.org

Further Press Releases:

GOOD NEWS FOR MALLORCA IN 2012 (09th Feb 12)

THREE KINGS - THE FESTIVITIES CONTINUE! (05th Jan 12)

FESTIVE SWEETS CAN BE HEAVENLY (05th Jan 12)