In much of Europe, autumn arrives with grey skies, frequent rain, and ever-shorter days. However, in Mallorca it’s all about the light when the island comes alive with events in which light—natural, artistic, or symbolic, take centre stage combing art, heritage, and tradition through its festivals, popular celebrations, and visual shows that invite visitors to discover a different side of Mallorca.
The Night of the Churches
On October 24th, many churches throughout the island – both in Palma and in the villages – will open their doors to celebrate the Nit de les Esglésies (Night of the Churches), a cultural and spiritual event organized by Maiorica Sacra. Churches and convents open from 20.30 – 23:00 providing a unique atmosphere of light, silence, and contemplation – allowing these spaces to reconnect with their roots as places of beauty, hospitality, and spirituality.
Celebrating St Martin’s Day
November 11th is St. Martin’s Day, which in many parts of the world is celebrated as the Festival of Lanterns. It is a day centered on generosity and inner light, inspired by the legend of the saint who shared his cloak with a beggar. In Mallorca, three very different events take place around that date—each with its own unique charm.
“Contrallum” Sineu – a village by candlelight
On Saturday, November 8, Sineu celebrates Contrallum, the Night of Lights. This cultural initiative invites people to rediscover local heritage through artistic illumination, offering a very different view than that of daily life. “With light, we open our eyes to creativity, sustainability, silence, and of course, local heritage.” Each year the route changes, leading through streets lit only by thousands of lanterns. Throughout the night, eleven spaces in Sineu—both in the historic centre and beyond—are transformed into scenes of light, sound, and projections. Why eleven? In honor of November 11th, St. Martin’s Day, and the date of the first Contrallum, which is now held every second Saturday of November. The route is usually followed in silence, enhancing the magic of the night.
Palma Cathedral’s Festival of Light
In this case, nature determines the date of the event: each November 11th in Palma Cathedral, a magical phenomenon occurs—the light shining through the main and smaller rose windows aligned with the rising sun. The result is a luminous figure shaped like an “8” projected onto the interior wall, one of the most unique optical effects in European Gothic architecture. This Festival of Light takes place twice a year—on November 11th and February 2nd. It’s worth waking up early to secure a spot inside the cathedral and witness this magical spectacle of light.
Sankt Martin and a Sea of Lanterns in Puerto Portals
Sankt Martin in Puerto Portals, Mallorca
A family-friendly celebration—especially for children – is Sankt Martin in Puerto Portals. Since St. Martin’s Day (November 11th) falls on a Tuesday this year, Puerto Portals will celebrate it on November 15th. This traditional European festivity brings children and families together who walk through the marina carrying handmade lanterns. The celebration of St. Martin highlights the importance of charity and sharing with those in need, so the event also has a charitable purpose: all proceeds go to the RANA Foundation, dedicated to child protection.
Advent and Christmas – Festivals of Light
Palma Lights up for Christmas
On November 22nd, Palma welcomes the start of the Christmas season with the traditional lighting ceremony. This year it will feature parades, aerial shows, and a futuristic theme. The city becomes a dazzling stage of light which lasts until January 20th—the St. Sebastian festivities, celebrate Palma’s– patron saint.
Saint Lucia – December 13th
The Swedish Church of Palma celebrates Saint Lucia on December 13th. This Scandinavian tradition, deeply rooted in the Swedish community living in Mallorca, symbolises the triumph of light over darkness. During the ceremony, a procession of young people dressed in white, led by Saint Lucia wearing a crown of candles, sing traditional songs. The event has become a popular gathering for residents and visitors alike.
Candelight concerts and specially lit music and dance performances
Throughout autumn, Palma hosts Candlelight Concerts concerts at the Pueblo Español, where live music is combined with the glow of hundreds of candles. The series includes tributes to Hans Zimmer and a Christmas concert, among others.
The programme also includes We Call It Ballet, an immersive performance combining classical dance and light effects.