Christmas season is wonderful wherever you are. If you want to spend Christmas in Mallorca in a different way, in a warmer atmosphere but full of lights and Christmas feeling, we recommend you to go on reading and dare to live your own Christmas in Mallorca.
Five traditions to celebrate while Christmas in Mallorca
Christmas in Mallorca has some great traditions which take place every year allowing grandparents and grandchildren to revive the same scenery for decades but in a different way (and, the most important, all TOGETHER).
The Song of the Sibyl. This tradition first took place in the Medieval Age, and today it is still one of the most representative and cherished in Mallorca. The Sibyl is a song performed every December 24th at the well known Midnight Mass where an oracle prophesies the end of the world, or what we know as the Last Judgement. This song arrived to Mallorca with King Jaume I Reconquista and, nowadays, it is performed by a chosen boy, girl or women wearing just a tunic and a sword, which, at the end of the song, grips to the air drawing a cross. No doubt, a spectacle that must be admired once in your lifetime at least.
Pic: www.illesbalears.travel
The Three Wise Men. The Three Kings are also a Christian popular tradition whcic explains that, these three wise men visited Jesus after his birth , bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. His names were Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar and they represent the three ethnicities of the Medieval Age. Nowadays, their arrival is celebrated each January 6th and, as they did with Baby Jesus they bring presents for all children for their good deeds during the year. In addition, each town or city organises cavalcades where the Three Kings give candies and sugars to children, and finally, the presents.
Estendard festivity. This is, without a doubt, one of the most ancient festivities known in the Mallorcan Christmas. The Estendard festifity (La Festa de l’Estendard) is the commemoration of King Jaume I entrance to Medina Mayurga (the previous name of Mallorca) on 31 December 1229, together his troops. This day is known today as the reconquest of Mallorca and the main festivity takes place in the capital, Palma. This festivity has a solemn nature since main acts in the morning are ceremonies where the standard flag is placed in the middle of Cort square and the authorities parade, together with the music band and the Sant Jordi Confraternity horses, and other festivity acts. In the night, the authorities offer a floral tribute the King Jaume I monument. A full of feeling festivity lived with a great affection in the island, undoubtedly.
Pic: Ara Balears
Segona Festa or Saint Stephen’s Day. The 26th of December is a festivity day in many towns and villages in Mallorca so they can celebrate what is known as Segona Festa (Second Festivity). Many times it is very difficult to meet all together for Christmas, so we have two days to celebrate and spend time with the loved ones. Usually, families go to celebrate to restaurants and having a walk or enjoying family lunch at home with those with whom they couldn’t celebrate the day before.
New Year’s Eve. New Year’s eve in Mallorca will be very different to the one you celebrate in your home country. Here, as well as in the rest of Spain, it’s tradition to take twelve grapes, one by one, at the pace of the twelve strokes issued by the clock which indicates the turn of the year. If you follow these instructions, you will have good luck for the next year, and if you don’t you will be unfortunate. After the strokes it is typical to cheer with cava o champagne and there are usually fireworks.
Pic: Vanguardia
A unique Christmas for a unique family
Certainly, celebrating Christmas in Mallorca is a plan that the whole family will love, from the little ones to the adults. Besides, you can visit different nativity scenes hand-made created, go to Christmas concerts and much more.
However, you must have a place to stay like at home before, mustn’t you? Then you better look around our fincas as soon as possible.
See you on the island!
