The Best Cultural Events in the Balearic Islands this Spring and Summer
The Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are hotspots for cultural festivities and attractions due to their long and rich history, combined with their desirable Mediterranean weather. Here are some of the best festivities and cultural events that the archipelago has to offer this Spring and Summer.
Formentera
Formentera Jazz Festival (6-9 June)
The Formentera Jazz Festival was launched in 2015 with the aim of gathering the best musical talents over four days. Local, national, and international artists alike are drawn to the picturesque island to play at impressive landmark locations, including Francisco Square, the iconic Chezz Gerdi restaurant, Es Pujols Beach and Pelayo beach chiringuito. There are also plenty of opportunities for visitors to get involved, from jam sessions, percussion workshops, a group choral singing session, and even dance groups.
www.illesbalears.travel/en/formentera/formentera-jazz-festival
Flower Power Formentera (July/August)
Many alternative, free spirited communities have made Formentera their home over the years, and Flower Power Formentera plays tribute to the island’s hippie past. Throughout the summer, the main squares on the island, La Mola and Sant Francesc, as well as popular beaches including Es Pujols, become open air dance floors with music from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Holidaymakers and locals flock in brightly coloured clothing to enjoy a moonlit night of pure nostalgia among friends and strangers.
www.illesbalears.travel/en/formentera/flower-power-festivals-of-formentera
Ibiza
Ibiza Medieval Fair (10-12 May)
Ibiza has a rich cultural history with many towns such as Dalt Vila tracing their origin to the 7th Century BC, seeing significant growth during the Medieval era. The Ibiza Medieval Fair in Dalt Vila, which celebrates its 25th UNESCO World Heritage Site anniversary this year, provides the opportunity for visitors to see what the island may have looked like in medieval times. The winding streets of the ancient city are transformed into scenes from the Middle Ages with actors and musicians playing craftsmen, puppets, jugglers, and artists. Children and adults alike can mingle with actors and enjoy performances, traditional markets, and excellent food.
www.spain.info/en/calendar/fiesta-medieval-ibiza/
Mare de Déu del Carme, Virgen del Carmen (16 July)
Ibiza has a longstanding maritime tradition, and every July this is commemorated by coastal villages around the island as they celebrate the Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishing. Spectators can witness the impressive sight of the island’s boat owners sailing into the sea simultaneously, including traditional Ibizan wooden llaüts. There are several spots around the island from which visitors can spot this spectacle, including Eivissa, Sant Antoni de Portmany, and Santa Eulària des Riu.
www.illesbalears.travel/en/ibiza/events-festes-mare-de-deu-del-carme-virgen-del-carmen
Mallorca
Noche de San Juan (23 June)
On the eve of St. John’s Day, or Midsummer Day, Palma celebrates the solstice, known as Noche de San Juan. The shortest night of the year is celebrated with lively music, dance parties and events throughout the Balearic capital. At 11pm, visitors can witness the daring correfoc (fire-run), with groups running down the streets dressed in devil costumes streaming firecrackers. There are also various workshops to get involved with, such as family friendly dance classes in the Parc de la Mar and art activities at the Pilar i Joan Miró Foundation.
www.illesbalears.travel/en/mallorca/events-noche-de-san-juan
La Patrona (2 August)
La Patrona takes place in Pollenca, a popular historic town in Northern Mallorca, and sees an epic reenactment of a battle between locals and pirates, recreating a historical pirate invasion that took place in 1550. Holidaymakers can witness the start of the battle in the central square, Plaza de la Almoina, and follow along as the mock fighting flows through the cobbled streets. Part of the action takes place in-front of the church of Saint George, where locals re-enact the saving of hostages. White bunting is strewn over the lively town and stages are setup throughout the streets, each surrounded by food carts and market vendors.
www.illesbalears.travel/en/mallorca/experience-the-festival-of-the-patron-saint-of-pollenca
Menorca
Sant Baromeu de Ferreries (23-25 August)
The town of Ferreries, in the heart of Menorca, sees an influx of visitors every August for Sant Baromeu, a unique annual festival honouring horses. Ferreries’ central location on the island means it can only be accessed reliably by horse, giving credence to this 17th Century tradition. The modern iteration, which horse lovers cannot miss, consists of giant heads, parades, music, fairgrounds, street markets and a special version of the jaleo (horse dance). Holidaymakers to Ferreries can also visit the impressive Santa Águeda Castle, the last holdout of the Moors.
www.illesbalears.travel/en/menorca/events-festes-de-sant-bartomeu-de-ferreries
Fiestas da Sant Lluís (25 August)
Every August, the town of Sant Lluís celebrates their patron saint and namesake, Louis IX, King of France, due to French occupation of the region in the early 19th Century. The religious festival sees battle reenactments and riding processions throughout the municipality, followed by delicious feasts. There are several stunning coves nearby Sant Lluís, including Binissafúller, Biniancolla and Binibeca, perfect for relaxing after the lively celebrations.
www.illesbalears.travel/en/ibiza/events-fiestas-de-sant-lluis
