Wednesdays in Sineu mean a visit to its famous market.
Every Wednesday, especially during the tourist season, buses and trains arrive in Sineu early in the morning for those who have never been to its market to experience it for the first time or for those who wish to relive the experience. It's the most popular weekly market in Mallorca, and it's worth strolling through and enjoying one of the longest-standing events on the island.
The Sineu market began in the early 14th century, boasting over 700 years of history, making it one of the oldest and most renowned in Mallorca.
King James II, son of the island's conqueror, established it in 1306. Tradition dictated that artisans, farmers, and ranchers from the area would gather every Wednesday to offer their merchandise: tools, fruits, vegetables, live animals... While the market's offerings have expanded over time, its essence remains unchanged, including the presence of live animals. Sineu is the only town on the island permitted to trade live animals.
Quality products at the best prices
Aside from the excursions and visits from tourists, or the buses filled with schoolchildren that flock to the Sineu market during the winter and fall, the reality is that this event presents a great opportunity to purchase top-quality products, directly from local farmers at very affordable prices.
Depending on the season, farmers offer melons, tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, citrus fruits from the Tramontana region, and other vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or cabbages. Onions and garlic are braided and hung from the ceiling of each stall, ready for customers, while bottles of oil are sold in cumbersome five-liter jugs, boasting excellent craftsmanship at a great price.
Proud ranchers showcase their animals, turning the market into an exhibition of Mallorca's most representative native animals, including roosters, hens, pigeons, horses, black pigs... And during certain times, rabbits, ducks, and chicks put on their best displays to entice the little ones.
And when it comes to temptation, many vendors offer tastings of Mallorcan cheeses, cured meats, hams, olives, and an array of products made from local raw materials.
Craftsmanship also has its reserved space in Sineu's square on market days. Handmade shoes, bags, fashion items, and objects made from llatra, ceramics, or tela de lenguas (which means tongue fabric) can be found, along with a variety of jewelry accessories to take home a beautiful souvenir of the place.
As expected, modernity and globalization have also reached the ancient market, with many vendors now offering typical products from other countries and cultures.
This adds to Sineu's appeal, making it a multicultural, contemporary, and cosmopolitan town every Wednesday.
Weekly markets are a centuries-old tradition in Mallorca. Each town had its own, and some have survived to this day. Would you like to explore another? In this article, we take a tour of the most interesting ones.
