The magic of discovering Mallorca also at Christmas
Despite being a great unknown, the mallorcan christmas is very unique and the capital of the island, Palm , shows its best colors during these dates because the sun shines so much and the temperature is so nice that invites you to stroll through its markets and streets bathed in lights.
The fact of being islanders has contributed to Majorcans are very traditional and have maintained many customs marked by the presence of centuries old christian practices . Although it is true that Christmas Eve on the island has never had much prominence, the star activity on December 24 is to go to the Midnight Mass at Palma Cathedral to listen the Sibyl , a declared song Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2010 that thrills attendees every year.
The tradition of having a hot chocolate with an ensaimada
Generally, families at the end of mass get together for hot chocolate accompanied by **an ensaimada** at home or at an establishment in the city. The most popular is the one in ** Can Joan de S´Aigo ** on Calle Carrer de Can Sanç , founded in the year 1700.
The December 25 is the quintessential family day and Majorcans gather around a well-laid table to enjoy their most traditional meal. Finally, on January 5, in Eve of Three Kings Day , the cavalcades are the protagonists and their Majesties of the East arrive in a vintage boat to the Old Dock of Palma , together with their pages, to distribute gifts. Then, a parade begins that runs through the streets of the city, a magical night for the little ones in the house.
However, with the arrival of the Kings the festivities do not end, because the Christmas lights remain on until the end of January 20 , the day of the patron saint of Palma, San Sebastià.
WHAT TO DO IN MALLORCA FOR CHRISTMAS
the christmas lights
Getting to know the illuminated streets of Palma is an activity in itself during these dates, because practically the entire shopping area is lit up with stars, balls and garlands . In fact, the City Council sticks out its chest when saying that Palma is the Spanish city that has more kilometers of Christmas lights per inhabitant.
a walk through the Borne and the Ramblas They are a mandatory route for Christmas. The decorations are very worked, with points of light that surround the trees as if it were a magical forest.
Knowing the illuminated streets of Palma is an activity in itself during these dates
christmas markets
Another must-see is the Christmas markets, where you can find a varied Majorcan gastronomy, gifts and activities for the whole family. In the city of Palma alone there are markets in five different areas that add 243 positions in 2019.
The main Christmas markets in the capital are set up in the Plaza de España and Plaza Mayor. The latter is especially characterized by its nativity scene and nativity scene booths . The artisans who run them have a loyal clientele that increases their collection of nativity pieces every year.
The Spanish Village market It is the liveliest and most worked on the island. On these dates, it is full of stalls, food tracks and Christmas decorations. The atmosphere is enlivened with live music and artificial snow.
Route of Nativity Scenes
The nativity scenes compete with each other every year and the main difference between all of them is the staging of the artisan figures . Among the most emblematic of Palma are the **Belén de Cort and the Mallorcan Nativity Scene of the Center Cultural la Misericòrdia **.
The clay figures of the Mallorcan nativity scenes represent trades, customs and traditions of the island, like the killings , the cossiers dance and the chant of the Sibyl. Its elements also show peasants and peasants with their traditional clothes, carrying wicker baskets and leftovers for the birth of Jesus Christ.
An artisan works at a Christmas market in Palma de Mallorca
The Neapolitan nativity scene of the Bartolomé March Foundation also deserves a special mention. It is a collection of 2,000 pieces created in the 17th century that can be visited all year round.
the sibyl
Undoubtedly, if Majorcan Christmas is characterized by something, it is the Sibil.la, a song of medieval origin that arrived in Mallorca with the Christian conquest of 1229 by Jaume I.
The song is a poem about the final judgment that was formerly carried out by priests, but over time they have been replaced by a boy singer who in some cases is a girl or woman. The person in charge of the performance usually wear a tunic, an embroidered silk cloak and a sword that she keeps suspended in front of the face with which, once the performance is over, it forms a cross in the air.
The Sibyl is represented in numerous churches on the island on Christmas Eve, but the most emblematic places are the Cathedral of Palma and the Sanctuary of Lluc.
Neula nougat
Mallorca also has gastronomic traditions for Christmas and especially the December 25th . The traditional menu begins with a soup prepared with a paste called cookies which is stuffed with minced meat. The second course, usually one debates between the porcella (suckling pig) or the turkey escaldums.
If you travel to the island for Christmas, do not forget to try the "neula nougat", the most characteristic for generations. It is prepared with raw almonds, so its duration is more limited and it is made a few days before Christmas. With the nougat, a cake with anise seeds is also served to finish the meal in the sweetest way.
Ideas to end the meal in the sweetest way