Palma de Mallorca, 06th Feb 07

ROUND UP OF ACTIVITIES & NEW ATTRACTIONS ON MALLORCA

As Mallorca enjoys one of the mildest winters on record. Herewith our latest round up of things to do and see on the island at this time.

Carnival Week – Starts 18th February
The traditional fiestas of carnival are celebrated throughout the island and in Palma, a grand procession will take place in the city centre. For more information go to: www.palmademallorca.es

Antique Fair – February 24th – March 4th
Open Monday to Friday from 17.00 – 23.00 and at the weekend from 10.00 – 24.00. Further information: www.firesicongressos.com

Pottery Fair – Marraxti – 1-11th March
Now in its 23rd year featuring a wide range of traditional Mallorcan pottery. For more information: www.firadelfang.com.

Track Cycling World Championships – March 29th – April 1st
Mallorca’s latest sports facility, a world class velodrome, has recently been completed in preparation for the Spanish Velodrome Championships in February 2007 and the UCI Senior Track Cycling World Championships in March 2007 (29th March – April 1st).

The new velodrome is located in San Ferran on the outskirts of Palma. It is a covered facility featuring 250 metres of track, which has been especially built in Holland, and will have a capacity for just over 5,000 spectators. Further information: www.mundipalma2007.com or www.uci.ch

World Folkdance Festival – 10-14th April
Dancers from more than 30 countries will meet on Mallorca this April to celebrate this event’s 20th anniversary. Since the festival was started in Palma in 1987 over 70 countries from five continents have participated. The spectacular show of different dances and culture is free for all spectactors and takes place in the main plazas (squares) of Palma.

The central focus of the Festival is the International Competition with the emphasis on each group’s authentic traditions and unique style, which is protected and preserved in their respective countries. Many children’s groups participate in this event, which is encouraging to see that their traditions will be maintained for future generations.

The World Folkdance Festival is sponsored by the Balearic Islands Government and Palma Town Hall and is free for all spectactors. For more information go to: www.worldfolkdance.com

Princess Sofia Sailing Regatta – 30th March – 6th April
This will be the 38th anniversary of the prestigious Queen of Spain’s “Regatta Princesa Sofia” regatta, which is held in the Bay of Palma and generally the main members of the Spanish Royal Family participate and attend.
For more information: www.trofeoprincesasofia.org.

“Mostra Cuina” Exhibition, 11th - 20th April
Many of the traditional and new Mallorcan dishes can be sampled at the “Mostra Cuina” food exhibition at Son Rossinyol in Palma where over 20 restaurants and top chefs will be showcooking their signature dishes using the very best of Mallorcan home grown produce. For more information contact the Mallorcan Restaurant Association, Tel: (+ 34) 971 71 33 48.

Artevisita – 19-29th April
Over 50 local artists from all over Mallorca will open their studios to the public as part of the first Artevisita Exhibition which will provide an opportunity for visitors to see a variety of local work, to talk in person to the artists and buy directly from them. Information: www.laartevisita.com

Jazz Voyeur Festival – March – December 2007
This festival now in its fourth year will open with a concert featuring the “Dirty Dozen Brass Band”, which will take place in March in Palma’s Auditorium. For updated information: www.jazzvoyeur.com.

Opera Season 16 -18th March, Teatro Principal, Palma.
This year’s opera season will be launched in the completely revamped Teatro Principal in the centre of Palma. Please check website for more information: www.teatroprincipal.com

NEW – Palma Aquarium – opening late spring 2007
This new tourist attraction is scheduled to open late spring next to Playa de Palma close to Palma Airport. It claims to be one of the largest aquarium’s of its kind in Europe, its main building covers an area of 7,500 square metres with a central pathway of 800 metres in length and will feature over 50 different marine life exhibits and aquariums.

The concept of this attraction is to offer visitors a variety of experiences based on biological, cultural and historical themes all related to the sea and man’s connection with marine life. It will cover a journey of discovery paralleling the development of man from the Old World of the Mediterranean Sea through to the New World’s oceans via the routes of three of the world’s greatest explorers; Magellan, Cook and Columbus..

Outside the attraction continues with some exciting marine species exhibits including stingrays, turtles, and hammerhead sharks and through to a representation of the Central American jungle where visitors follow a pathway past trees, plants and waterfalls and a hanging wooden bridge.

Other facilities will include two cafes overlooking the sea, a shop, childrens play area and rest and relaxation areas and spacious parking areas. For more information: www.palmaaquarium.com

Walks Along Ancient Stone Paths

For the enthusiast walking along Mallorca’s ancient route is one of the best ways to see the countryside and take in historic relics and places of interest. These paths, which have been restored over the past few years, run mainly through old bridle ways close to the higher peaks of the Tramuntana mountain range.

Once finished, the route will total a 150 kms of pathways and will join the southern end of the Tramuntana range at Andratx with the northern end at Pollenca. The route is divided into 8 stages and each stage will have its own refuge when the restoration is complete. To date, two refuges are now open; Tossals Verds & Muleta. For further information in English go to:
www.conselldemallorca.net/mediambient/pedra

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)