Palma de Mallorca, 30th Aug 06

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS ON MALLORCA

Herewith a round up of what's happening on the island around the festive season 2006-7.

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.

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.

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.

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

Baleart – Handicrafts Fair

A great place to pick up unusual Christmas gifts is at this exhibition, which is held from December 2 – 10 at Palma’s exhibition hall at the entrance of the city. For more information: Tel: + 34 971 77 13 02. www.firesicongressos.com

Christmas Concert

On December 20th The Balearic Symphony Orchestra will be performing Handel’s Messiah as the special Christmas concert 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.

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.

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 cavalcade 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.

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.

At night, the locals will take 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 grapes in time with the chimes up to midnight. Fireworks can be seen all over the island but the most spectacular fireworks display can be seen from Palma’s Paseo Maritimo running between the sea and the city walls.

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.

Fiestas

Local festivals at this time, which are celebrated throughout the island, are extremely popular with local visitors. Saint Anthony – the patron saint of animals – people bring their animals to be blessed to the local church (17th January); Saint Sebastian (January 20th) is the patron saint of Palma and all the plazas feature different types of live music. Bonfires and barbecue grills are lit around the city so that revellers can grill their own supper as they enjoy the music.

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:

FIVE NEW HOTEL OPENINGS IN MALLORCA SPRING – SUMMER 2013 (31st May 13)

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

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