Spring is here, the days are getting longer, the sun’s warmer, flowers are blossoming, and the streets are filled with colour. In the case of the Balearic Islands, the green from the mountains blends with the blue of the sea to accentuate the most sublime Mediterranean essence.
Springtime also has the added attraction of Holy Week with its devotions and traditional dishes. Fairs and festivals are organised in different locations, with two great examples being the Es Firó de Sóller and the Ibiza Medieval. And apart from these interesting and unique events, it’s also a great time to enjoy some outdoor sports.
Majorca: Popular tradition, wine and poetry
Popular culture takes centre stage in all the towns on the island in spring with Holy Week & Majorcan traditions. Some of these are spectacular, like the Easter Sunday Procession or Crist de la Sang (both in Palma), the different representations of the descent of Christ from the cross (“davallaments”), and the Oratori del Calvari in Pollença. These celebrations are always accompanied with traditional food, with family and friends coming together to prepare and enjoy the delicious Majorcan Easter Snacks like “robiols”, “crespells”, and “panades”.
Wine lovers have their moment with Wine Days Mallorca in May when they get to taste the aromas, textures, colours, and flavours of the island’s best wines.
The poetic touch arrives in May and June with the Poetry Festival of the Mediterranean. The event is created in different languages and styles from poets around the Mediterranean who recite their work at the big event of the festival, the “Nit de la Poesia”.
Menorca: Sport, flowers, and the tradition of horse riding
For the brave and the restless, the island offers two international sports events. The Menorca MECUP (Menorca International Youth Football Tournament) takes place from March 28th to April 1st, and the Fornells Half Marathon is on April 14th. The race covers 21km of rural roads and paths where runners have the chance to enjoy the cultural and scenic landscape as they put their fitness levels to the test.
The Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls takes place on the island from May 18-20 and is considered by many to be the longest, hardest and most beautiful races on the European trail running scene. There are five routes to chose from, ranging from 35 to 185km in the north and south of the island.
Spring colours will become more visible In Menorca towards the middle of May with the 10th edition of Maó+Flors. This huge floral display covers the main streets and shop fronts of the Menorcan capital and also offers a wide range of cultural activities during the show.
The horse is a Menorcan icon, a major feature at its patron saint’s day festivities, will also be the star at the Menorcan Breed Horse Fair, which takes place this year from May 18-20 at the Es Mercadeal Exhibition Centre.
The Arrells Fair (April 14-15, ‘arrells’ means roots in Catalan) was started to unite the best Menorcan produce with its cuisine. Over the two days, the event will be the island’s ‘agora’, the meeting point of Menorca’s gastronomy with chefs from Menorca and abroad talking about their produce, techniques and recipes.
Menorca International Jazz Festival. Springtime in Menorca moves to the sound of jazz. The festival is now one of the most highly anticipated on the jazz scene each year. The organisers say they chose the name Jazz Obert (Open Jazz) because they want to open it up to the world of jazz, new suggestions, talents, and ideas. The festival runs for three months from March to June with concerts on the island’s main stages.
