August festivities in Mallorca
August festivities in Mallorca are an explosion of color, tradition, and joy that transform the island into a continuous celebration. This month marks the peak of the Mallorcan summer, and both locals and visitors dive into a whirlwind of events that reflect the island’s rich culture and festive spirit.
August Saints in Mallorca
In Sineu, the August Fair, held on the first Sunday of the month, is an event that attracts visitors from all over the island. This agricultural and craft fair is an opportunity to experience rural Mallorca in all its splendor, with livestock displays, local product stalls, and demonstrations of traditional trades.
One of the most iconic festivities is Sant Bartomeu in Montuïri, celebrated on August 24. This festival is famous for the "Cossiers," a traditional dance performed by six men and a demon – dimoni in Mallorcan. The dancers, dressed in colorful costumes adorned with bells, perform intricate choreographies through the village streets, accompanied by the music of flutes and drums. The climax comes when the demon tries to disrupt the dance, only to be symbolically defeated, representing the triumph of good over evil.
In Pollença, the Fiesta de la Patrona, celebrated on August 2, offers one of the island’s most thrilling spectacles: the reenactment of the battle between Moors and Christians. This historical recreation commemorates the victory of Pollença’s inhabitants over Berber pirates in 1550. The streets fill with participants dressed as medieval warriors and pirates, creating an atmosphere of vibrant historical realism.
The Assumption of the Virgin, on August 15, is celebrated throughout the island but takes on special significance in towns like Cala Rajada. Here, the festival culminates with a maritime procession in honor of the Virgin del Carmen, patron saint of sailors. Dozens of boats decorated with garlands and flags accompany the Virgin’s image on its coastal journey, creating an impressive visual spectacle.
Sant Roc, the patron saint of Porreres, is honored on August 16 with a series of events including concerts, sports competitions, and the traditional "Festa des Sequer." This celebration highlights the historical importance of apricot cultivation and drying in the region, with tastings of local products and demonstrations of traditional fruit preservation techniques.
The festivities of San Agustín in Felanitx, culminating on August 28, are known for their lively verbena, one of the most animated in Mallorca. For several days, the streets fill with live music, with local and international bands playing until the early hours of the morning. The tradition of the "Cavallets," small horse figures worn by dancers around their waists, adds a unique touch to these celebrations.
Patronal Festivals and Popular Verbenas
No discussion of August festivities would be complete without mentioning the numerous festes patronals – patronal festivals – celebrated in towns and villages across the island. These events, though smaller, are the heart of Mallorcan community life. Each town honors its patron saint with masses, processions, concerts, and traditional dances. The dimonis or demons, folkloric figures dressed in terrifying masks, are a common presence in these celebrations, playfully scaring children and adults alike as they run through the streets.
August in Mallorca is also a time for music and art. Festivals such as the one in Pollença attract internationally renowned artists, offering classical music concerts in historical settings. Meanwhile, contemporary art exhibitions and street performances add a modern touch to traditional celebrations.
