It is that time of the year again, when we all come together, with family, friends, all our loved ones, to share moments, love, presents, drinks and lots of delicious food….

In Mallorca, besides those, we have some traditions that are ours and only happen in Mallorca, no other place in the world, let me tell you about them:

Unlike in other parts of Spain, the Christmas Eve dinner is not the main event. On 24 December the Cant de la Sibil·la fills listeners with wonder in the traditional Matines (Midnight Mass). Declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010, this takes place every Christmas Eve (Nit de Nadal) in almost all the municipalities of Mallorca; the most popular Matines are those held in the Sanctuary of Lluc and Palma Cathedral. After Mass, families gather to enjoy a hot chocolate accompanied by ensaimada or coca de patata. This tradition was bought to Mallorca by King Jaume I back in the 10^th century, and it has remained since then.

On December 25^th and 26^th, are Christmas first and second day, where we come together with the family for the main Christmas feast. The tradicional menu these days is broth with stuffed pasta, sopa de Nadal, followed by a roasted suckling pig and the varied Turrón as dessert.

But it’s not all about food…the Palma San Silvestre road race will be held on December 26 and will feature more than 2,000 runners. With two distances to choose from, the circuit runs mostly through the beautiful Bellver Castle, an unbeatable setting with a manageable course that is suitable for athletes of all levels. And it’s not just about the sport; there’s also plenty of room for some fun. Prepare your fancy-dress costume and sign up for the most keenly anticipated race this Christmas!

31 December coincides in Palma with the commemoration of the entrance of King Jaime I into the city, known as the Festa de l’Estendart: activities will be taking place throughout the morning.

And at midnight, on a normal non covid year, there are parties and music in all restaurants and hotels, and for those dining home, usually come together at the Village’s main square to celebrate together the end of the year and the start of a new one. As you know, in Spain we do this by eating 12 grapes the last 12 seconds of the year, one by each chime, so we end and start the year with our mouths full hahahaha. To have a lucky year, you must eat all 12 grapes.

Wish you all a wonderful, tasty, healthy festive season and await you in Mallorca in 2022.