Festivals of Sant Sebastià and Sant Antoni

While many breathe a sigh of relief once the holiday season is over, January in Palma is far from quiet. As routines slowly return—bringing back structured schedules, healthy meals, and regular sleep—locals know the city still has weeks of fire, music, and tradition ahead.

Though some associate January with grey skies and post-holiday blues, here in Mallorca it’s one of the liveliest times of the year. Two of the island’s most beloved celebrations take centre stage: the Festes de Sant Antoni and the Festes de Sant Sebastià, the patron saint of Palma.

Sant Antoni Festivities: Tradition, Fire & Folklore

Celebrating on January 17th, Sant Antoni is the patron saint of animals and is especially cherished in towns like Sa Pobla and Manacor, where the festivities are deeply rooted in local identity.

This celebration is a vibrant fusion of the pagan and the religious. The streets come alive with ximbombes (traditional instruments), glosses (improvised folk verses), costumed figures, animal blessings, and the presence of iconic dimonis (devils), witches, and giant heads.

The highlight? The foguerons (bonfires) that light up village squares, where locals gather to grill sobrasada, botifarrons, and rustic pan moreno. Recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest since 1966, Sant Antoni has retained its ancestral spirit—a celebration where music, fire, and food merge into a truly unique experience.

Sant Sebastià: Palma’s Beating Festive Heart

From January 10th to 26th, Palma honours its patron Sant Sebastià with weeks full of concerts, traditional torrades, cultural events, and activities for all ages.

The highlight of the season is La Revetla, on the night of January 19th. Palma’s most iconic squares—Plaça Major, Plaça de Cort, and Plaça del Rei Joan Carles I, among others—are filled with bonfires and live music from both local and international artists. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.

The big day, January 20th, brings three unmissable events:

• The Diada Ciclista (Citywide Cycling Event), where hundreds of cyclists ride through the city on a festive tour.
• The Premis Ciutat (Palma city awards), recognising outstanding cultural contributions.
• The electrifying Correfoc, a fiery street performance where devils dance through the night in a dazzling display of sparks, drums, and ancestral energy.

Celebrating Winter Like a Local

January isn’t just about sales and resolutions. In Palma, it’s about staying connected to our roots, celebrating culture, and embracing what matters most: gathering, honouring traditions, and looking forward with hope and joy.

From all of us at Es Princep, we invite you to experience this time of year in a different way. Let the warmth of bonfires, the flavour of traditional Mallorcan cuisine, and the rhythm of music in the plazas reconnect you with the island’s purest spirit. Because winter in Palma isn’t just something you get through...It’s something you celebrate!