Mallorcan Easter customs: An island experience between tradition and spirituality

Empanadas

As spring slowly arrives in Mallorca, one of the most impressive and traditional times of the year begins: Semana Santa , the Holy Week surrounding Easter. While many visitors associate the Balearic island with sun, beaches, and sangria, Mallorcans experience Easter as a deeply rooted, spiritual time—marked by centuries-old customs, impressive processions, and a very special sense of solidarity within village communities.

In this article, we'll take you on a journey through Mallorcan Easter traditions—from the significance of Semana Santa to culinary delights and mystical midnight processions. Get ready for a journey of discovery off the beaten track!

Semana Santa – the heart of the Mallorcan Easter season

The term "Semana Santa" translates as "Holy Week" and encompasses the period between Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and Easter Sunday (Domingo de Pascua). This week is not only religiously significant in Mallorca, but also deeply rooted in society.

Preparations begin weeks in advance: Churches are decorated, costumes are sewn, and the first rehearsals of the brotherhoods – the Cofradías – take place. These brotherhoods are the heart of the processions. Each has its own colors, symbols, and an impressive image of Christ or Mary that they carry through the streets.

Palm Sunday: The celebratory start

On Palm Sunday , believers commemorate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. On this day, in Mallorca, countless people can be seen carrying palm branches and intricately woven olive branches – so-called " rams ." These branches are blessed during mass and then hung over doors or pictures in homes to protect the house from misfortune.

Many families weave their own rods—a craft often passed down from generation to generation. Especially in rural areas, this day is a true family celebration, with faith and community at its core.

The processions: spirituality on the streets

From Maundy Thursday (Jueves Santo) begins perhaps the most impressive tradition of Semana Santa: the night processions .

In cities like Palma , but also in smaller towns like Pollença , Artà , Sineu , and Felanitx , hundreds of participants in long robes parade through the dark alleys. Many wear pointed caps, called capirotes , that conceal their faces. The sight may seem strange at first glance, but it is a symbol of humility and penance.

The atmosphere during the processions is unique: only the muffled drumming, the soft clinking of chains, and the singing of traditional " saetas " – religious laments – pierce the silence. In the darkness, the scenes seem almost mystical. Spectators often stand silently along the roadside, some with tears in their eyes.

Each procession tells a different part of the Passion story. Particularly moving is the large procession on Maundy Thursday in Palma , which, with over 50 brotherhoods, is considered the most important on the island.

Good Friday: The Way of the Cross of Pollença

Good Friday (Viernes Santo) is one of the most important days of Semana Santa. Many parishes perform a Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) on this day, which retraces Jesus's final hours.

A particularly impressive spectacle takes place in Pollença : the so-called " Devallment " – the Deposition of Jesus from the Cross. A detailed depiction of the Passion is staged on the famous Calvary steps with their 365 steps. The figure of Christ is taken down from the cross and then carried through the town in a silent procession. The scene, accompanied by flickering candles, music, and profound solemnity, is an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike.

Easter Sunday: Joy, Family and Feast

After days of silence and reflection, Easter Sunday is the great celebration. The churches fill up in the morning, and festive music plays. The " encuentro " (encounter) – in which the figures of the Virgin Mary and the risen Christ meet – is the emotional climax. People rejoice, laugh, cry, and celebrate. The silence of the previous days now gives way to exuberant joy.

Afterwards, many families gather around the lavishly laid table. Easter dishes on Mallorca reflect tradition:

Culinary delicacies for Easter

Easter in Mallorca also means enjoying yourself . Numerous traditional dishes are only served at this time of year:

1. Breading

Savory dumplings filled with lamb or peas. They are traditionally baked together as a family on Maundy Thursday – often in huge quantities.

2. Cocarrois

Similar to panades, but with a vegetarian filling—usually with spinach, raisins, and pine nuts. They're also a classic Easter treat.

3. Robiols

Crescent-shaped pastries with a sweet filling—often jam, ricotta, or custard. Kids love them!

4. Empanadas de Cordero

A classic Easter dish: dumplings filled with tender lamb. Often accompanied by Mallorcan wine and fresh bread.

Modern influences and old values

Despite increasing globalization and the ever-increasing tourism boom, Mallorca keeps its Easter traditions alive. While you can now see children with chocolate Easter bunnies and modern Easter decorations, the heart of the celebration remains deeply rooted in the Catholic faith and regional customs.

Many young Mallorcans consciously participate in the brotherhoods or learn traditional songs to ensure these values are not forgotten. Semana Santa unites young and old, urban and rural, believers and non-believers.

Conclusion: Easter in Mallorca – An experience for all the senses

If you really want to experience Mallorca, you should visit the island at Easter. Semana Santa is a journey into the past, an experience full of emotions, colors, and sounds—and at the same time, living proof of how strongly traditions can unite people.

Whether you're religious or simply curious, Mallorcan Easter traditions captivate everyone. You'll not only be amazed, but also discover a completely different, more profound side of Mallorca. And who knows? Maybe you'll end up sitting in a small bakery yourself, baking bread and listening to the sound of drums in the distance.